A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, leaving at least 144 people dead and more than 730 others injured, according to the country’s military leadership.
According to CNN, a powerful aftershock measuring 6.4 in magnitude followed, with tremors felt as far as Thailand and China.
Officials reported that the quake caused the collapse of buildings hundreds of miles away in Thailand, further amplifying the destruction.
Authorities confirmed that at least three people lost their lives in the nation’s capital, where rescue efforts are underway to save 81 individuals feared trapped beneath the rubble of a high-rise building under construction.
Myanmar, already struggling with the effects of a civil war ignited by the 2021 military coup, faces additional challenges due to weak infrastructure that leaves it vulnerable to major natural disasters.
The situation remains dire as large parts of the country are controlled by various militias, complicating efforts to gather accurate information.
Additionally, the military frequently imposes communication blackouts in conflict-ridden areas, further hindering rescue and relief operations.
