The death toll in Myanmar has crossed over 1,600 as rescuers dig through the rubble of the collapsed buildings in a desperate search for survivors.
UNICEF is deeply concerned about the devastating impact of today’s earthquake in Myanmar on children and families.
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) March 28, 2025
Damage has also been reported in parts of Thailand.
Our teams are in affected areas to assess impact and prepare humanitarian support.
© UNICEF Myanmar pic.twitter.com/ybUMlbB59V
Myanmar's ruling junta said in a statement that 1,644 people have been confirmed dead and 3,408 injured so far.
The death toll is likely to rise further.
A powerful earthquake of 7.7 magnitude struck Myanmar and Thailand on Friday afternoon destroying several buildings. Scores of people were trapped under the high-rise buildings that fell during the earthquake.
Myanmar declared a state of emergency across six quake-affected regions.
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Meanwhile, Thailand authorities so far confirmed the death of six people. According to the officials, 26 people were injured and the search is still underway for the 47 missing as a high-rise building in Chatuchak market fell during the quake.
In Naypyidaw, crews worked to repair the damaged roads, electricity and internet services that were hit due to the quake. The control tower at Myanmar's Naypyitaw International Airport also collapsed in the earthquake hitting several flight operations.
According to US geologists, the recent earthquake was the biggest quake that hit Myanmar in over a century.
The United Nations allocated $5 million to start relief efforts. Also, a 37-member team from the Chinese province of Yunnan reached the Yangon city with earthquake detectors, drones and other supplies.
Russia also dispatched two planes carrying 120 rescuers and supplies. India, France and the European Union also offered assistance to the quake-hit country.
South Korea said it would provide USD 2 million worth of humanitarian aid through international organisations.
New Zealand's foreign minister Winston Peters said that his government would support relief efforts "via the International Red Cross movement".
Myanmar's ruling military general Min Aung Hlaing sought help from "any country" amid the chaos and rescue operations in the country. Blood was in high demand in the quake-hit areas.
The country, which is also fighting a civil war since the military seized power from the elected Aung San Suu Kyi government in February 2021, is struggling with its internal conflicts.
