A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar at 12:50 pm (local time) on Friday, causing widespread devastation across the region. The epicentres were northwest of Sagaing, with depths ranging from 10 to 30 km, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
At least 20 deaths have been confirmed, including casualties at a hospital in Naypyidaw and a collapsed mosque in Mandalay. A fire broke out at a city university, adding to the disaster’s toll. Aid agencies fear the final number of casualties across Myanmar and neighboring countries could reach the hundreds.
Myanmar’s junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, declared a state of emergency and appealed for international aid. Neighboring Thailand also reported strong tremors, with three deaths from a collapsed building in Bangkok. China’s Yunnan province recorded a 7.9-magnitude quake, but no fatalities have been reported there.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered India’s support, while European leaders also pledged assistance. Rescue operations are underway, but damaged infrastructure—including roads between Mandalay and Yangon—is hindering efforts.
This tragedy underscores Myanmar’s vulnerability to seismic activity, as the Sagaing Fault has triggered multiple 7.0+ magnitude quakes in the past century.