Myanmar: devastating earthquake, over 1,700 dead. The earth continues to shake

Quakes and disasters in both countries. The democratic opposition suspends military operations in the affected areas. Earthquakes also continue in Thailand

The death toll from the violent earthquake that struck Myanmar has risen to around 1,700 dead, while more than 3,000 are reported injured. The leader of the Burmese military junta communicated the tragic update to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, pointing out that more than 300 people are still missing, and the death toll could continue to rise. Rescue teams continue their relentless rescue operations among the rubble, but the situation remains dramatic, as also confirmed by the BBC.

Despite the tragedy, the earth does not stop shaking. A new tremor of magnitude 5.1 was recorded at 9:08 this morning (15:38 local time) 28 kilometres from Mandalay, near the town of Mattara, according to the US Geological Survey. Residents of Amarapura, near Mattara, said it was the strongest tremor felt since the devastating main quake on 28 March.

In response to the disaster, Myanmar’s shadow democratic opposition government, the National Unity Government (NUG), announced a unilateral two-week truce in offensive military operations against the ruling military junta, but limited the suspension to areas affected by the earthquake. However, defensive operations will continue, while the junta continues its bombing raids against rebel groups, despite the UN appeal to halt all military activities. The Nug, which has been fighting the junta since the coup in 2021, urged the international community to intervene to stop the ongoing violence.

Thailand also suffered the consequences of the earthquake with a death toll of at least 18 people dead, 33 injured and 78 missing, especially in Bangkok, where the collapse of a skyscraper killed 11 people. Despite the tragedy, the Thai government reassures that travelling in the country remains safe and that no tourists were involved in the incidents. Operations at Bangkok and Phuket airports have resumed normally after security checks, and tourist sites continue operations without interruption.

With tourism a crucial part of the Thai economy, local authorities are ensuring maximum safety for visitors, confirming that no travel cancellations have been recorded. However, the earthquake toll in Thailand continues to worsen, with 17 deaths so far confirmed in Bangkok and several people missing.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)