A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, leaving at least 1,000 people dead and causing widespread destruction across the region. The quake, centered near Mandalay, is the strongest to hit the country in over a century. According to the US Geological Survey, the death toll could rise above 10,000 as rescue efforts continue.
The disaster has severely impacted Myanmar’s ability to respond, with collapsed roads, power outages, and ongoing civil conflict hampering relief efforts. Neighbouring Thailand also suffered heavy damage, with at least 10 deaths reported in Bangkok after a high-rise under construction collapsed, trapping over 100 people. Thai authorities have launched large-scale rescue operations.
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China and India were among the first nations to send aid, dispatching emergency response teams and medical supplies to the worst-hit areas. Experts warn that aftershocks could persist for weeks, worsening an already dire situation. Geologist Jess Phoenix stated that the earthquake released energy equivalent to over 300 atomic bombs, highlighting the catastrophic scale of the disaster.
In response, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up a crisis management cell to assist Pakistani nationals in Myanmar and Thailand. Pakistani embassies in Yangon and Bangkok have been directed to provide emergency support, while a Crisis Management Unit (CMU) in Islamabad is monitoring the situation to coordinate relief efforts.
