- The search for survivors from Myanmar’s catastrophic earthquake continues as more than 1,600 people have been confirmed dead. The 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, on Friday.
- The quake also affected neighboring Thailand, where 18 people were reported dead, including 11 at a collapsed construction site in Bangkok.
- Local residents in Myanmar have been leading search efforts, moving rubble by hand in extreme heat, with limited heavy equipment available.
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Rescue workers continue to search for survivors in Myanmar following a powerful earthquake that has killed more than 1,600 people.
The 7.7-magnitude quake, which struck outside Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, on Friday afternoon, March 28, sent shockwaves across Southeast Asia. In Bangkok, Thailand, over 600 miles from the epicenter, a 30-story building under construction collapsed. On Saturday, rescue efforts continued as grim vigils were held.
Many of Mandalay’s 1.5 million residents spent the night on the streets after the quake left them homeless or fearing further aftershocks could cause remaining buildings to collapse. The earthquake also impacted neighboring Thailand, where at least 18 people were killed.
Local residents have led the search for survivors, moving rubble by hand or with shovels in 106-degree heat, with limited use of heavy equipment.
In Thailand, the quake affected much of the country, including the collapse of a high-rise building in Bangkok. So far, 11 people have been found dead at the construction site, bringing Thailand’s death toll to 18.
Reports initially show at least 2,900 buildings, 30 roads and seven bridges have been damaged by the quake. Airports in both Naypyitaw, Myanmar’s capital, and Mandalay are closed.