Myanmar-Bangkok Earthquake: Death toll surpasses 150

Bangkok/Myanmar, Mar 29: Several countries, including India, are sending help to Myanmar and Thailand after a powerful earthquake killed more than 150 people. The earthquake, measuring 7.7 in magnitude, hit near Sagaing in Myanmar on Friday, causing massive damage in both Myanmar and Thailand. In Bangkok, a building under construction collapsed, trapping many workers and causing a state of emergency to be declared.

The earthquake had a depth of 10 km, and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the epicenter was about 17.2 km from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, with a population of around 1.2 million.

A strong after effects of 6.4 magnitude followed soon after, making the situation worse. The tremors were felt across the region, including in Bangkok, where the collapsed building killed at least eight people and left more than 117 missing.

In Myanmar, at least 144 people have died, and 732 others are injured. The country's military government has declared a state of emergency in several areas.

General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar's leader, has asked for international aid and warned that more people could die. Many buildings collapsed, including Ma Soe Yane monastery, one of the largest in Myanmar. The former royal palace and government buildings in Naypyidaw were also damaged.

The earthquake caused further problems, including cracked roads, collapsed bridges, and a burst dam that led to flooding. In Sagaing, a 90-year-old bridge was destroyed, and parts of the highway between Mandalay and Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, were damaged.

In Thailand, the collapse of the 33-story building in Bangkok killed at least three people and trapped many others.

Rescuers have saved at least seven survivors from the rubble, but many are still missing. Emergency services are working quickly, and the city’s subway and elevated trains have been shut down.

As the full extent of the damage is understood, countries around the world are offering help to Myanmar and Thailand to support their recovery efforts.

Meanwhile, India has launched 'Operation Brahma' to support earthquake-impacted Myanmar. Indian Air Force C-130 J aircraft carrying approximately 15 tonnes of relief material, including tents, blankets, sleeping bags, food packets, hygiene kits, generators, and essential medicines, landed in Yangon earlier in the day.