Cliff Notes – Myanmar earthquake latest:
- The death toll in Myanmar from the 7.7 magnitude earthquake has reached 1,002, with over 2,300 others injured, and 30 people reported missing amid ongoing rescue efforts.
- The earthquake, the strongest in the region in nearly 80 years, resulted in significant structural damage, including collapsed buildings and major infrastructure such as bridges.
- International aid has begun to arrive, with countries like China and the US offering humanitarian assistance, while the military junta has declared a state of emergency in several affected regions.
Myanmar earthquake: More than 1,000 killed and 1,670 injured – as international aid starts to arrive
The number of people killed in Myanmar following a powerful earthquake has risen to 1,002, and 2,376 others injured, according to the country’s military government.
The head of the military government has confirmed a further 30 are missing and has ordered a prompt rescue effort following the 7.7 magnitude quake.
It struck at around 12.50pm local time (6.20am UK time) on Friday at a shallow depth of six miles.
The quake’s epicentre was about 10 miles from the second city of Mandalay.
There were also aftershocks, with one measuring a strong 6.4 magnitude 12 minutes later.
China‘s President Xi Jinping has sent a message of condolence to Myanmar’s leader Min Aung Hlaing after the earthquake, and, according to the Chinese embassy in Myanmar, they have spoken on the phone.
A Chinese rescue team arrived in Yangon, Myanmar’s former capital, early on Saturday while Russia and the US have also offered to provide humanitarian assistance and relief.
Rescue workers still at the site of a collapsed building in Bangkok
Neighbouring Thailand was also affected by the quake, leaving eight people dead, eight injured and 79 missing.
Buildings in five of Myanmar‘s cities and towns collapsed, along with a railway bridge and a road bridge on the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway, state media reported.