A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, March 28 causing widespread devastation and a death toll exceeding 1,000. The quake, which occurred at approximately 12:50 PM local time, had its epicenter near Mandalay, the country's second-largest city. It destroyed buildings, collapsed bridges, and damaged roads across vast areas of Myanmar, with Mandalay suffering the most severe impact. The ruling junta announced on Saturday that 1,002 people had been confirmed dead and 2,376 injured, primarily in Mandalay. Officials warned the toll could rise as more data is collect

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, March 28 causing widespread devastation and a death toll exceeding 1,000. The quake, which occurred at approximately 12:50 PM local time, had its epicenter near Mandalay, the country's second-largest city. It destroyed buildings, collapsed bridges, and damaged roads across vast areas of Myanmar, with Mandalay suffering the most severe impact. The ruling junta announced on Saturday that 1,002 people had been confirmed dead and 2,376 injured, primarily in Mandalay. Officials warned the toll could rise as more data is collected. The earthquake's effects were also felt beyond Myanmar. In Bangkok, Thailand, tremors caused the collapse of a 33-story building under construction near the Chatuchak market, resulting in at least eight deaths and multiple injuries. Bangkok city authorities announced plans to deploy over 100 engineers to inspect buildings for safety after receiving more than 2,000 reports of structural damage. International leaders have expressed condolences and pledged support. A 37-member team from China’s Yunnan province arrived in Yangon early Saturday with earthquake detectors, drones, and other supplies, according to the official Xinhua news agency. Russia’s emergency ministry dispatched two planes carrying 120 rescuers and aid supplies, Russian state news agency Tass reported. India sent search and rescue teams along with medical personnel and provisions, while Malaysia’s foreign ministry confirmed it would deploy 50 personnel on Sunday to assist in relief efforts in the worst-affected areas. The United Nations allocated $5 million to initiate relief operations.

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