Myanmar earthquake: 144 dead, 730 injured, confirms military government; 8 killed in Thailand

After a powerful earthquake rocked Myanmar on Friday, the head of Myanmar's military government said 144 people lost their lives, while 730 sustained injuries. The photos and videos from two hard-hit cities showed extensive damage. The tremors were also felt in neighbouring Thailand, with at least eight casualties in the Thai capital, where a high-rise under construction collapsed. The 7.7 magnitude quake, with an epicentre near Mandalay, Myanmar's second largest city, struck at midday and was followed by a strong 6.4 magnitude aftershock.

In a televised speech on Friday, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said, "The death toll and injuries are expected to rise.” 

According to news agency AP, the Myanmar government said blood was in



high demand in the hardest-hit areas. Images of buckled and cracked roads in Mandalay and damaged highways as well as the collapse of a bridge and dam raised further concerns about how rescuers would even reach some areas in a country already enduring a widespread humanitarian crisis.

The full extent of death, injury and destruction was not immediately clear — particularly in Myanmar, one of the world's poorest countries. It is embroiled in a civil war and information is tightly controlled.

Images of buckled and cracked roads in Mandalay and damaged highways as well as the collapse of a bridge and dam raised further concerns about how rescuers would even reach some areas in a country already enduring a widespread humanitarian crisis.