Devastating Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand: Death Toll Rises Amid Destruction

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has resulted in at least 694 deaths and over 1,670 injuries, primarily affecting the Mandalay region. The disaster, felt across Myanmar and parts of Thailand and China, has prompted the Myanmar military junta to seek international assistance. Additional aftershocks continue to pose threats.

In a tragic sequence of events, Myanmar has been hit by a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake, claiming at least 694 lives and injuring over 1,670, with figures expected to rise significantly. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) warns that the casualty count could exceed 10,000 based on early modeling.

Tremors from the quake were felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand, and China's Yunnan province. Myanmar's military junta has urgently called for international assistance amidst extensive devastation, with many rural communities already struggling due to ongoing civil war conditions.

Thailand experienced considerable impact, with 10 deaths and 16 injuries reported in Bangkok alone. Officials, including Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, urge calm and caution as aftershocks continue to disrupt recovery efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)