Satellite imagery has captured the devastating impact of the recent 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar, leading to cataclysmic destruction and resulting in the loss of over 1,600 lives. As international aid efforts mobilize, the country’s death toll has reached 1,644. In Mandalay, residents are desperately searching through the rubble for survivors, while aftershocks continue to shake the already ravaged city.

In Thailand, the situation is similarly grim. Reports indicate a rise in the death toll to 17 as of Sunday, with city officials confirming 32 injuries and 83 individuals still unaccounted for, primarily linked to a 30-story construction tower that collapsed.

In response to the disaster, India has launched its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. A specialized rescue contingent from the 50 (I) Para Brigade was deployed to Myanmar under Operation Brahma. This team, consisting of 118 members with medical and communication capabilities, arrived at Naypyitaw International Airport yesterday, led by the brigade’s commander.

After unloading crucial supplies and equipment, the team has moved to a nearby harbor area, located approximately 45 minutes from the airport. Today marks the beginning of the mission’s expansion, with a reconnaissance unit that includes an officer and a Junior Commissioned Officer heading into Mandalay, situated 160 miles north of their current base.

Mandalay has been designated as the primary operational center, and plans are in place for the full team to arrive later this morning. While aerial deployment is the primary strategy, road access is also being considered to facilitate the establishment of the operational theater.

In light of the earthquake, neighboring countries have dispatched warships and aircraft filled with relief supplies and rescue teams. India, China, and Thailand, alongside Malaysia, Singapore, and Russia, are among those providing support.

Indian military planes have conducted multiple flights into Myanmar, delivering essential supplies and search-and-rescue teams to Naypyitaw, where significant destruction has occurred. The Indian Army is also working to set up a field hospital in Mandalay, with two navy vessels on their way to Yangon, Myanmar’s commercial center, carrying additional supplies.

Chinese rescue teams have also arrived, including a group that entered via land from Yunnan province, as reported by China’s embassy in Myanmar. Additionally, a 78-member team from Singapore, equipped with rescue dogs, has been active in Mandalay today, according to media reports.

A partial solar eclipse, the first of the year 2025, is set to unfold today, March 29. While this celestial phenomenon will be observable from several parts of the world, it will not be visible from any region in India. The eclipse is expected to start around 2:20:43 PM IST and continue until 6:13:45 PM IST, with visibility dependent on geographic location.

What is a partial solar eclipse?

Unlike a total eclipse where the Moon entirely blocks the Sun, a partial solar eclipse leaves part of the Sun exposed. As the Moon partially covers the Sun, it creates a striking crescent-like shape in the sky. Today’s eclipse is also expected to produce a rare “double sunrise” effect — where the Sun appears to rise, dim briefly, and rise again — typically visible in areas where the eclipse coincides with sunrise.

A global event, but not for Indian skies

According to space data agencies, about 100 crore (1 billion) people will be in locations where they can witness this partial eclipse. However, only around 44,800 people will see at least 90% coverage of the Sun — marking a very limited population for the highest visibility range.

Watch safely — never directly

Experts strongly advise against looking at the Sun directly during any solar eclipse. Viewers should only use certified solar viewing glasses, eclipse glasses, or handheld solar viewers. Watching through regular cameras, binoculars, or telescopes without proper solar filters can lead to severe eye damage.

Livestreaming options for virtual viewing

For those in India and elsewhere who cannot witness the eclipse directly, several global platforms like NASA and SLOOH Observatory are offering live streaming on their websites and social media channels. Indian space authorities like ISRO may also stream the event live. Viewers can access real-time visuals and expert commentary from the comfort of their homes.

The eclipse pairing rule

Astronomers remind us that eclipses always occur in pairs. This solar eclipse follows a total lunar eclipse that occurred just two weeks ago. Another pair of solar and lunar eclipses is expected to occur in September 2025, in line with the seasonal pattern of eclipses occurring roughly six months apart.

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.