Myanmar Earthquake: Over 1,000 Dead, Rescue Efforts Underway

A day after a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar on Friday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, was at the epicenter of the quake. According to the Burmese state media, the incident was so severe that it claimed over 1,000 lives. However the rescue efforts are still ongoing and the death toll is expected to rise. The US Geological Survey (USGS) warned that fatalities could exceed 10,000.

Tremors felt till Bangkok

Furthermore, the impact of the tremors was felt as far as Bangkok, nearly 900 kilometers away from the epicenter point. The authorities also reported significant structural damage, including the collapse of an under-construction skyscraper in Bangkok. Following the destruction, a state of emergency has been declared in both the regions, Myanmar and Thailand. At least 10 people have died, and 100 construction workers went missing on Friday.

Bangkok authorities announced that they have received 2,000 reports of structural cracks in buildings across the city. The Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said: “Despite the collapse of one under-construction building, no completed buildings have suffered structural failure.”

Rescue Efforts ongoing

The after effects of the quake have left severe damage to property and resources. Rescue teams in Myanmar are working tirelessly day in and day out. The workers are using their bare hands to search for survivors amid the rubble and destroyed properties. The earthquake has left thousands injured and many displaced from their homes. Hospitals in big cities like Naypyitaw are overwhelmed, turning into mass casualty centers.

PM Modi declares Assistance

Following the disaster PM Narendra Modi declared assistance to Myanmar. India sent 15 tonnes of relief materials, including solar lamps, food packets and kitchen sets, to Myanmar on an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft.

In a post on X he wrote, “Spoke with Senior General H.E. Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar. Conveyed our deep condolences at the loss of lives in the devastating earthquake. As a close friend and neighbour, India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this difficult hour. Disaster relief material, humanitarian assistance, search & rescue teams are being expeditiously dispatched to the affected areas as part of #OperationBrahma.”

Spoke with Senior General H.E. Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar. Conveyed our deep condolences at the loss of lives in the devastating earthquake. As a close friend and neighbour, India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this difficult hour. Disaster relief material,…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 29, 2025

India’s “Operation Brahma”

India launched “Operation Brahma,” sending relief materials, including food, tents, and medical supplies to Yangon. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “India acts as a First Responder to assist the people of Myanmar affected by yesterday’s massive earthquake.”

President Donald Trump said Friday that the U.S. was going to help with the response, but some experts were concerned about this effort given his administration’s deep cuts in foreign assistance. United Nations allocated $5 million to start relief efforts in Myanmar.

Other countries join the fray

Other countries have also joined hands in assistance including China and Russia dispatching aid and rescue teams. Myanmar’s junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, issued a rare global appeal, urging international assistance.

According to a report from the Russian state news agency Tass, Russia’s emergency ministry dispatched two planes carrying 120 rescuers and supplies. Malaysia’s foreign ministry said the country will send 50 people on Sunday to help identify and provide aid to the worst-hit areas.

Mohammed Riyas, the International Rescue Committee’s Myanmar director, stated that “We fear it may be weeks before we understand the full extent of destruction caused by this earthquake”.

Wider Impact and Aftershocks

According to reports the tremors of the quake were not confined to Myanmar alone. Shortly after the quake, a 4.0 magnitude tremor was reported in Meghalaya’s East Garo Hills, with mild shocks felt in Kolkata and Imphal region. Furthermore, China’s Yunnan province also experienced a 7.9 magnitude jolt.

Meanwhile, the search and rescue operations are ongoing, with survivors recount harrowing tales of survival. Many still remain missing, and the deadly disaster has further deepened Myanmar’s ongoing crisis.