Myanmar earthquake death toll rises to 1,700 as rescue efforts continue

New Delhi, Mar 30: The death toll from the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand on March 28 has climbed to 1,700, with around 300 people still missing, according to Myanmar’s military leadership. More than 3,400 people have been injured, and the number of casualties is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.

Emergency teams in Myanmar are searching for survivors trapped under the rubble of hotels, schools, mosques, monasteries, and homes. Officials have reported major damage in Mandalay and Sagaing, regions near the earthquake's epicentre. In Sagaing City, 36 people have been rescued, while 88 bodies have been recovered. In Mandalay, 161 people have been confirmed dead, including 13 monks pulled from the debris of the U Hla Thein Temple, where nearly 200 monks are feared to be trapped.

The well-known Sky Villa complex in Mandalay has also suffered major destruction, with 29 survivors rescued and nine bodies recovered so far. Amid ongoing rescue efforts, a fresh 5.1-magnitude aftershock was recorded near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, adding to the challenges faced by emergency teams. The United Nations has warned that a severe shortage of medical supplies is hampering relief operations, with aid workers struggling to reach those in need.

Reports of airstrikes amid disaster response

The National Unity Government (NUG), Myanmar’s exiled opposition group, has announced a two-week pause in military offensives in earthquake-affected regions. However, there are reports that Myanmar’s military launched airstrikes less than an hour after the quake, including in areas impacted by the disaster. According to the United Nations Human Rights Office, Myanmar’s military has a history of restricting humanitarian aid, raising concerns about the ability of relief organisations to operate effectively. Reports suggest that even as the military appeals for international assistance, airstrikes have continued in conflict zones. Myanmar is in turmoil due to a prolonged civil war following the military coup in 2021

Bangkok high-rise collapse kills 17 amid quake aftermath

In Bangkok, the earthquake triggered the collapse of a high-rise building, resulting in at least 17 deaths and leaving 83 people missing. Rescue teams are working to locate survivors under the debris.

Thailand’s Industry Minister, Akanat Promphan, has announced an official investigation into the building’s failure. Structural anomalies have been detected in the steel used in construction, and authorities are now examining whether substandard materials contributed to the collapse. The investigation will scrutinise the designer, project controller, and builder, with legal action expected if safety violations are confirmed. The collapsed building was reportedly constructed by a joint venture between Italian-Thai Development and China Railway Number 10 Engineering, raising further questions about construction standards and oversight.