A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar, Thailand, and southwestern China on Friday, causing widespread damage ⁣and casualties. According to the latest figures from Myanmar’s ruling junta, the death toll ‍has surpassed 1,600, with thousands more injured.

Rescue Work in Myanmar Hampered by Lack of Resources

In Mandalay, ​Myanmar’s second-largest city, rescue teams are struggling to locate survivors trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings. It is estimated that at least 90 people remain trapped in a single ruined apartment building.

Je Aung, ⁣a local entrepreneur, expressed his relief and worry regarding his wife’s situation: I’m so​ excited and worried. At first, I didn’t expect her to survive because it looked‍ like ‌the probability was very low.‍ Then I was very happy when I heard good news.

Rescuers successfully extracted the woman alive from the debris.

Journalists‌ from AFP encountered Jason Glad, a member of Jehovah’s Witnesses, who voiced‌ concern for his friends.

Fortunately,everything is fine with me and my wife, Glad ⁣said.But this house had​ our friends. We are now trying to contact all our friends to make sure they are fine. But with the friends who lived in ⁤this house, we ‌couldn’t contact.

Rescue operations are being hindered by power outages and a lack of adequate equipment. While ‌earthquakes are relatively common ⁣in Myanmar, this one was particularly strong. A state of ⁢emergency has been declared in several regions already affected by ongoing conflicts between the National⁢ Army and pro-democracy armed groups.

Neighboring Thailand⁣ has also suffered damage from the earthquake. China, Russia, South Korea, and the United States have pledged⁣ assistance to‌ Myanmar.

Bangkok Building Collapse

In Bangkok, Thailand, a​ newly constructed 30-story building collapsed.

Several fatalities have been confirmed, and many more people are believed to be trapped in the wreckage. Search efforts are underway, utilizing robots and drones.

A large contingent⁢ of local and international journalists has converged on the scene.

Reports indicate that survivors have been found in ⁢Bangkok. The ​BBC reported three earlier rescues, but ⁢that facts remains unconfirmed.

Local residents noted ​that such events are rare in Thailand, ⁤and preparedness‍ levels are not as high as in countries like Japan, where earthquake-resistant construction is standard.

Dozens of police cars, army personnel, more than 10 medical brigades, and search teams with dogs⁢ are involved in ⁣the rescue efforts in Bangkok.

Context

The earthquake affected a wide area of Southeast Asia, causing damage in Thailand and southwestern China.

The collapse of the‍ building in Bangkok has left many trapped in the ruins.

In Myanmar, the number of fatalities is ⁣rising, with concerns that it ⁣could exceed 10,000 due to the⁤ earthquake’s proximity to populated areas and the vulnerability of many ‍buildings.