At least 144 people have been killed, and more than 732 were injured in the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday, according to the head of the country’s military government.
A strong aftershock of 6.4 magnitude also hit Myanmar, with tremors felt across Thailand and in China.
According to military government officials, the quake triggered the collapse of buildings hundreds of miles away in Thailand.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake had a 7.7 magnitude, with a 6.4 magnitude aftershock following closely behind.
The full extent of death, injury and destruction was not immediately clear, particularly in Myanmar, one of the world’s poorest countries. It is embroiled in a civil war and information is tightly controlled.
A predictive analysis by the United States government estimated the quake could result in thousands of deaths and significant economic losses, particularly affecting the Sagaing and Meiktila regions.
The Thai prime minister declared a state of emergency in Bangkok, while Myanmar declared an emergency in the capital and its second-largest city.
The head of Myanmar’s military government said in the televised speech on Friday evening that at least 144 people were killed and 732 others were injured.
“The death toll and injuries are expected to rise,” Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said.
Meanwhile, India has announced readiness to offer “all possible assistance” to Myanmar and Thailand.
The India Prime Minister, Narendra Modi stated this in a statement on Friday via X.
“Praying for the safety and wellbeing of everyone. India stands ready to offer all possible assistance. In this regard, asked our authorities to be on standby,” Modi wrote.
