Myanmar's earthquake death toll jumps to more than 1,000 as search efforts continue

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar has now claimed the lives of over 1,000 people, and officials warn that the death toll could rise as search and rescue efforts continue. The devastating quake, which hit on Saturday, has left authorities grappling with an overwhelming disaster. According to a statement from the military-led government, 1,002 fatalities have been confirmed, with another 2,376 individuals injured and at least 30 people reported missing. As rescue teams sift through the rubble, officials stress that the final figures remain uncertain, with detailed data still being collected.

Francesco Capoluongo of the International Federation of the Red Cross in Myanmar told BBC News that with more than 18 million residents in the affected region, it is likely that the casualty numbers will continue to increase. "The search and rescue is still ongoing," she said, emphasizing the difficulty of verifying any current figures. Capoluongo explained that millions now find themselves without safe shelter, clean water, or reliable access to healthcare—a situation that underscores the urgent need for continued relief efforts.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located not far from Mandalay, a major city in central Myanmar, and was followed by several significant aftershocks, including one that registered a strong 6.4 magnitude. The violent tremors caused widespread destruction: buildings collapsed, roads buckled, bridges fell, and even a dam burst, exacerbating the crisis. In Mandalay, authorities reported that over 1,590 houses suffered damage, marking the city as one of the hardest-hit areas.

The capital city of Naypyidaw has also not been spared by the disaster. Crews there have been working throughout Saturday to repair damaged roads, but the city continues to face severe disruptions in electricity, telephone, and internet services. Several buildings in Naypyidaw, including those housing government employees, were toppled or severely damaged. Authorities had to cordon off affected areas to maintain order and secure the scene, complicating rescue and recovery operations.

The earthquake’s impact was not confined to Myanmar alone. In neighboring Thailand, the tremors were strongly felt across the greater Bangkok area—a bustling metropolis home to roughly 17 million people—and in various other parts of the country. Bangkok authorities confirmed that six people have died, 26 sustained injuries, and 47 remain missing, with many of the casualties linked to an incident at a construction site near the popular Chatuchak market. In this incident, gunmen attacked passengers on a bus traveling from Gwadar to Karachi along the Coastal Highway, further intensifying the region’s sense of crisis. Thai officials have reported that in addition to the fatalities, two passenger buses were set ablaze, and an extensive search operation was launched to locate the missing individuals.

Residents in Thailand continue to express deep concern as heavy machinery is brought in to clear debris and salvage any survivors amid mounting despair. One distraught witness, 45-year-old Naruemol Thonglek, described her anguish as she awaited news about her partner and five colleagues who were caught in the attack. "I was praying that they had survived, but seeing the ruin, I can't help but wonder—where could they be? Are they still alive?" she tearfully lamented.

Back in Myanmar, the response to the catastrophe is being bolstered by an influx of international aid. After more than 24 hours of exhausting work, rescue teams are calling for additional support, noting that while they have adequate manpower, the shortage of vehicles severely hampers their ability to transport bodies and survivors from the wreckage. "We have enough manpower but not enough cars. We are using light trucks to move the dead bodies—sometimes 10 to 20 in one truck," one rescue worker told AFP.

Myanmar’s military government has indicated a willingness to accept foreign assistance—a notable shift in light of previous hesitations to involve external aid. China and Russia, two of the country’s primary suppliers of military equipment, have been among the first to offer help. China has dispatched over 135 rescue personnel and experts along with essential supplies such as medical kits and generators, and it has pledged approximately $13.8 million in emergency humanitarian aid. Russia, meanwhile, announced that its Emergencies Ministry had flown in 120 rescuers along with supplies. Other nations have joined in the relief efforts: India has sent both a search and rescue team and a medical team, Malaysia is planning to deploy 50 personnel on Sunday, South Korea has committed $2 million in humanitarian aid through international organizations, and the United Nations has allocated an initial $5 million to support relief operations. Even President Trump confirmed that the United States is prepared to assist, noting in the Oval Office that discussions with Myanmar officials are underway.

The region is facing an unprecedented crisis, compounded by Myanmar’s ongoing internal strife. The country, also known as Burma, has been mired in a prolonged and bloody civil war ever since the military seized power from the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. This conflict has already triggered a massive humanitarian crisis, displacing over 3 million people and leaving nearly 20 million in desperate need of aid. The persistent fighting has made travel and access to many areas dangerous or impossible, further complicating rescue and recovery efforts.

Adding to the challenges, military forces continue their attacks even in the wake of the quake. In regions such as northern Kayin and southern Shan—areas bordering Mandalay state—airstrikes have targeted rebel-controlled villages. One such strike in northern Shan killed seven militia members and damaged multiple buildings, including a school, according to local sources.

Dave Eubank, a former U.S. Special Forces soldier and founder of the humanitarian group Free Burma Rangers, explained that in some villages, which had already been decimated by military actions, the earthquake’s additional impact was minimal. "People are in the jungle, and I was out there when the quake hit—it was powerful, but the trees just moved. The Burma army, however, continues its relentless attacks, even after the quake," he stated.

Amid this chaos, humanitarian organizations are urging the international community to step up its efforts. Haider Yaqub, Myanmar country director for Plan International, told reporters that the scale of destruction is unlike anything many have witnessed before. "The humanitarian needs here are enormous," he said.

As rescue operations continue and aid begins to flow into the region, the coming days will be critical in determining the full extent of the disaster. With infrastructure devastated, essential services disrupted, and ongoing military conflicts complicating access, the road to recovery for Myanmar remains fraught with challenges. Yet, the determination of local authorities, combined with robust international support, offers a glimmer of hope that amid the tragedy, efforts to rebuild and save lives will ultimately prevail.