Death Toll Surpasses 1,000 After Devastating Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand
- Victor Nwoko
- Mar 29
- 3 min read
The death toll from a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar surged to more than 1,000 on Saturday as rescue workers continued to recover bodies from the debris of collapsed buildings. The military-led government of Myanmar reported that 1,002 people had been confirmed dead, with another 2,376 injured and 30 still missing. Officials warned that the numbers could continue to rise as more information is gathered.
Myanmar is currently facing a prolonged and violent civil war, which has already led to a severe humanitarian crisis. The instability and danger in the region complicate relief efforts and raise concerns that the number of casualties could increase significantly.
The earthquake struck at midday on Friday near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, and was followed by multiple aftershocks, including one measuring 6.4 in magnitude. The quake caused widespread destruction, toppling buildings, buckling roads, collapsing bridges, and bursting a dam.
In neighboring Thailand, the tremors were felt across the greater Bangkok area, home to approximately 17 million residents, many of whom live in high-rise buildings. Authorities in Bangkok reported six deaths, 26 injuries, and 47 people still missing, with the majority linked to a collapsed construction site near the city’s Chatuchak market.
When the quake struck, a 33-story high-rise under construction by a Chinese firm for the Thai government began to sway before collapsing into a massive cloud of dust, sending people running in panic. Rescue operations continued into Saturday, with heavy equipment being used to clear the debris, but hope was fading for those still trapped beneath the rubble.
Among those anxiously awaiting news was 45-year-old Naruemol Thonglek, whose partner and five friends were working at the site. She expressed her despair while holding onto hope for their survival. Similarly, Waenphet Panta, whose daughter Kanlayanee had been working high up in the building before the quake, remained hopeful that she would be found alive.
Earthquakes are uncommon in Bangkok but more frequent in Myanmar, which sits on the Sagaing Fault, a major geological divide between the India and Sunda plates. Seismologist Brian Baptie from the British Geological Survey explained that the earthquake was caused by a rupture along a 200-kilometer (125-mile) section of the fault, resulting in intense shaking in areas where many buildings are made of timber and unreinforced masonry. The likelihood of significant destruction was high due to the region’s vulnerability.
Myanmar’s government has called for urgent blood donations in the worst-affected areas. While past governments have been hesitant to accept foreign aid, Min Aung Hlaing confirmed that Myanmar is now open to international assistance.
The ongoing civil war has made large portions of Myanmar unsafe or inaccessible for aid organizations. The United Nations estimates that more than three million people have been displaced due to the conflict, with nearly 20 million in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
Haider Yaqub, Myanmar country director for Plan International, described the devastation as unprecedented and warned that the humanitarian needs would be immense. China and Russia, key allies and arms suppliers to Myanmar’s military, were among the first to send aid. A Chinese team from Yunnan province arrived in Yangon with earthquake detection equipment, drones, and supplies. Russia dispatched two planes carrying 120 rescuers and relief materials. India also contributed by sending search and rescue teams, medical personnel, and provisions, while Malaysia announced it would deploy 50 aid workers to the hardest-hit areas. South Korea pledged $2 million in humanitarian assistance through international organizations.
The United Nations allocated $5 million to support initial relief efforts. The U.S. government also expressed intentions to assist, though concerns were raised about the effectiveness of this response due to previous cuts in foreign aid. Budget reductions to the United States Agency for International Development had already forced several NGOs to scale back their programs in Myanmar.
As rescue and relief operations continue, the full impact of the disaster remains unclear, and officials warn that the situation could worsen as more remote areas are reached and assessed.
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