7.7 Magnitude Earthquake in Myanmar Causes 1,500 Deaths, Rescues Ongoing

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, causing widespread devastation and a rising death toll that has reached nearly 2,000, with estimates suggesting it could exceed 10,000. Rescuers have managed to save several individuals, including two pregnant women, from the rubble, but reports indicate that recovery efforts are increasingly uncovering fatalities rather than survivors. Eyewitness accounts from residents in Thailand and those visiting the region describe chaotic scenes as buildings collapsed and people fled for safety. The earthquake, the largest in over a century for Myanmar, has prompted rescue teams to scramble through debris amidst concerns about rapidly decomposing bodies in sweltering temperatures. As the situation unfolds, many are left grappling with the aftermath, including significant economic losses projected to surpass the country's annual output. The international community is closely monitoring the developing crisis as recovery efforts continue amidst the ongoing challenges.