A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, shaking parts of Southeast Asia and eastern India and causing large-scale devastation. The earthquake and its subsequent aftershocks, including one measuring 6.7 in magnitude, have resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 people and injured more than 2,376 across Myanmar and Thailand.

Myanmar reels under quake amid ongoing civil conflict

The epicentre was located northwest of Sagaing in Myanmar and struck at a shallow depth of 10 km around 12:50 pm local time. The tremors were felt as far as eastern India, China, Cambodia, and Laos. Myanmar’s military administration confirmed that over 1,000 people have died due to the quake, with rescue and relief efforts severely hampered by the country’s ongoing civil war and under-resourced emergency response system.

In Mandalay, major buildings collapsed, leaving behind mangled steel and concrete. Emergency workers and local residents continue to dig through rubble to rescue those trapped. The Ava Bridge, an almost century-old structure across the Irrawaddy River, also gave way during the tremors.

Thailand reports deaths, dozens feared trapped

In neighbouring Thailand, the quake led to the collapse of a high-rise building under construction near Bangkok’s Chatuchak market, killing 10 people. Authorities fear up to 100 workers may still be trapped in the debris.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra convened an emergency meeting to assess the situation and coordinate rescue efforts.

International aid begins to arrive

Myanmar’s military junta made a rare appeal for global assistance, with General Min Aung Hlaing calling on “any country, any organisation” for support. India promptly responded, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing concern and offering help.

India’s Air Force dispatched 15 tonnes of relief supplies — including blankets, tents, medicines, and water purifiers — from the Hindon air base to Myanmar.

The United States and European Union also pledged support. US President Donald Trump confirmed communication with Myanmar officials and assured assistance, calling the situation “a real bad one.”

The Indian embassy in Thailand reported no casualties among Indian nationals and advised caution amid aftershocks.

A massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake rocked central Myanmar on Friday afternoon, sending strong tremors across northern Thailand and parts of China. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the epicentre was located 16 km northwest of Sagaing city, approximately 250 km from the capital Naypyidaw, at a shallow depth of 10 km. The main quake was followed by a significant 6.8-magnitude aftershock.

Despite the scale of the quake, no tsunami warning has been issued so far. As of now, no official reports of casualties have been confirmed.

Tremors shake Bangkok and Yunnan

The quake’s impact extended beyond Myanmar. In Thailand, tremors prompted suspension of metro and rail services in Bangkok, while visuals of buildings swaying and people rushing into the streets went viral on social media. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has reportedly called for an urgent review meeting to assess the situation.

In China’s Yunnan province, tremors were also felt, with China Earthquake Networks Center measuring the jolt at magnitude 7.9, differing slightly from USGS readings.

Viral videos capture panic and destruction

Social media platforms were flooded with terrifying footage from across affected regions. One viral video showed an infinity pool overflowing, cascading water down its side, while another clip captured water in a residential pool forming mini-tsunamis. A particularly alarming video showed a skyscraper under construction collapsing entirely.

According to open source monitoring on social media, at least 40 workers are reported missing in connection with the collapse, though this is yet to be officially verified.

Damage reported in Myanmar

While full details of the damage within Myanmar are still emerging, there are initial reports of structural collapses, including the old Sagaing Bridge over the Irrawaddy River and some residential buildings. In Mandalay, roughly 24 km from Sagaing, visuals suggest people may be trapped under debris.

Myanmar lies along the Sagaing Fault, a tectonic boundary responsible for several major quakes in the past. Between 1930 and 1956, at least six earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or higher struck the region. The last major tremor in 2016 claimed three lives in Bagan and damaged ancient temples.

The quake has raised concerns over Myanmar’s limited emergency response capabilities, especially given the strained medical infrastructure in rural and conflict-affected areas.

On Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov revealed that arrangements are being made for President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India. Lavrov stated, as per the reports, that “President Vladimir Putin has accepted an invitation to visit from the Indian Prime Minister,” affirming that preparations for this significant visit are currently underway.

During the announcement, Lavrov highlighted the diplomatic ties between the two nations, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made his first foreign trip to Russia after his re-election last year. “Now it’s our turn,” Lavrov remarked, underscoring the reciprocal nature of the visits between the leaders of both countries.

These comments were made during a video address at a conference hosted by the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), which focused on the theme “Russia and India: Toward a New Bilateral Agenda.” Although the specific dates for President Putin’s visit have not yet been disclosed, the discussions signal a continued commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

Earlier in February, there were indications from Tass that Prime Minister Modi might visit Moscow to attend the annual military parade at Red Square, commemorating the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. However, sources familiar with the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity, informed the Hindustan Times that while an invitation had been extended to Modi, an official visit was not being planned at that time.

In July 2024, Modi made a significant trip to Russia, marking his first visit in almost five years, during which he invited President Putin to India. This forthcoming visit will be particularly noteworthy as it will be Putin’s first trip to India since December 2021, when he participated in an annual summit.

It will also be his first official visit since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022. The evolving diplomatic landscape between Russia and India continues to attract attention as both nations seek to enhance their strategic partnership.