Myanmar Earthquake LIVE: 144 Killed, Over 730 Injured After 7.7 Magnitude Quake Jolts Myanmar; Nine Deaths Confirmed In Bangkok

Myanmar lies on the boundary between two tectonic plates and is one of the world's most seismically active countries, although large and destructive earthquakes have been relatively rare in the Sagaing region. "The plate boundary between the India Plate and Eurasia Plate runs approximately north-south, cutting through the middle of the country," said Joanna Faure Walker, a professor and earthquake expert at University College London.

She said the plates move past each other horizontally at different speeds. While this causes "strike slip" quakes that are normally less powerful than those seen in "subduction zones" like Sumatra, where one plate slides under another, they can still reach magnitudes of 7 to 8.

A powerful earthquake rocked Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand on Friday, destroying buildings, a bridge and a dam. At least 144 people were killed and 730 injured in Myanmar, the Associated Press reported. The 7.7 magnitude quake, with an epicentre near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, struck at midday and was followed by a strong 6.4 magnitude aftershock.

At least nine people have died in Bangkok as a result of Friday's earthquake, reported Reuters, with the death toll steadily rising in Thailand as well as in neighbouring Myanmar, where the quake was centred. Of the confirmed casualties in the Thai capital, eight died when a building under construction collapsed, while the ninth person died in a different location, said Bangkok's Deputy Governor Tavida Kamolvej.

Amnesty International’s Myanmar researcher, Joe Freeman, said the earthquake could not have come at a worse time for Myanmar, given the number of displaced people, the existing need for relief aid and cuts by the Trump administration to US aid that have affected humanitarian aid. Freeman said restricted media access meant there might not be a clear picture of the extent of damage and loss for some time.

Since overthrowing the elected civilian government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, the military has struggled to run the country, leaving the economy and basic services like healthcare in tatters.
An armed opposition, comprising established ethnic armies and new resistance groups formed since the coup, has seized swathes of territory and driven the junta out of border areas, increasingly hemming it into the central lowlands.

A worker carries an injured resident on his back after a strong earthquake in Bangkok. CREDIT: REUTERS

People look at a collapsed building site after a strong earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday. | REUTERS

View of a collapsed building after a strong earthquake struck central Myanmar | REUTERS

The Indian Embassy in Thailand issued a statement on Friday, assuring that it is closely monitoring the situation after powerful earthquake tremors were recorded in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand. According to the embassy, no untoward incidents involving Indian citizens have been reported so far. The embassy is in close coordination with Thai authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian nationals in Thailand. Crane-topped building collapsed in a cloud of dust.

The quake will further stretch Myanmar's ruling military, which is fighting a civil war against an armed uprising. The junta declared a state of emergency in multiple regions but provided no specifics of damage or injuries. "The state will make inquiries on the situation quickly and conduct rescue operations along with providing humanitarian aid," it said on the Telegram messaging app. The Red Cross said roads, bridges and buildings had been damaged in Myanmar, and there were concerns for the state of large dams.

India is closely monitoring the situation in Myanmar following reports of damage caused by the recent earthquake, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said. He stated that India is assessing the exact requirements for assistance and relief materials. The foreign secretary emphasised that India has consistently been the first responder in the region during such natural disasters and remains committed to providing necessary support.

The Indian Embassy in Thailand is closely monitoring the aftermath of the powerful earthquake that shook Bangkok and other areas on Friday. No incidents involving Indian citizens have been reported so far. The embassy is coordinating with Thai authorities to ensure their safety. In case of emergencies, Indian nationals can contact the 24/7 helpline at +66 618819218 for assistance.

The European Union has expressed readiness to assist Myanmar and Thailand following a powerful earthquake that caused significant damage and casualties.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday described the disaster as "heartbreaking" and extended her condolences to the victims and their families. She stated that Europe's Copernicus satellites are already aiding first responders in assessing the situation. The EU, she added, is prepared to offer additional support as needed.

A dramatic video circulated on social media showed the multi-story building with a crane on top collapsing into a cloud of dust, while onlookers screamed and ran. The US Geological Survey and Germany's GFZ center for geosciences said the earthquake was a shallow 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), with an epicenter in Myanmar, according to preliminary reports. 

Locals in Mandalay, Myanmar, lead rescue efforts amidst collapsed buildings after 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit the country.

A local in Bangkok, Thailand, mentioned that everyone is scared, children are hungry, and people are sitting outside their houses. They described the situation as very bad and said that the Prime Minister had announced an emergency. They also requested that everyone pray for Bangkok.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed concern over the earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand and expressed readiness to offer all possible assistance. "Concerned by the situation in the wake of the Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Praying for the safety and well-being of everyone. India stands ready to offer all possible assistance. In this regard, asked our authorities to be on standby. Also asked the MEA to remain in touch with the Governments of Myanmar and Thailand," he wrote on social media platform X.

The Red Cross said downed power lines are adding to challenges for their teams trying to reach Mandalay and Sagaing regions and southern Shan state. "Initial reports from the ground suggest the earthquake has caused significant damage,” the Red Cross said. "Information on humanitarian needs is still being gathered," it added.

China's Xinhua news agency said strong tremors were felt in southwestern Yunnan province, which borders Myanmar, but there were no reports of casualties.

The epicentre was about 17.2 km from the Myanmar city of Mandalay, which has a population of about 1.5 million. Myanmar's ruling military declared a state of emergency in multiple regions.

Aleast three people were killed in the town of Taungoo in Myanmar when a mosque partially collapsed, witnesses said, while local media reported that at least two people died and 20 were injured after a hotel collapsed in Aung Ban.

In Thailand, at least one person was killed and dozens of workers were rescued from under the rubble of the skyscraper that had been under construction in Bangkok, Thailand's National Institute of Emergency Medicine said. A  Bangkok's city authorities declared the capital a disaster-stricken area, saying they needed to assess and monitor damaged areas, and assist people who might still be at risk.