Death toll in Myanmar earthquake crosses past 2000; nation declares week-long mourning

Mandalay (Myanmar): The death toll from the earthquake that struck Myanmar has risen to more than 1,700 as additional bodies are recovered from the rubble, the country's military-led government said Monday. Government spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun told state-run MRTV that another 3,400 people were injured, and over 300 remain missing. The military had previously reported 1,644 fatalities but did not specify new figures in its update.

The 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit at midday Friday, causing extensive damage, including in the capital Naypyitaw and Myanmar's second-largest city, Mandalay. The disaster occurred during Friday prayers in the holy month of Ramzan, killing approximately 700 worshippers when mosques collapsed, said Tun Kyi, a member of the Spring Revolution Myanmar Muslim Network. It is unclear whether these casualties are included in the official count.

Tun Kyi reported that around 60 mosques were damaged or destroyed. Videos posted on The Irrawaddy online news site showed several mosques toppling as people fled. The actual number of casualties is feared to be much higher than the official figures, but telecommunication outages and logistical difficulties have made it difficult to assess the full extent of the destruction.

“We're still uncertain about the scale of devastation,” said Lauren Ellery, deputy director of programs in Myanmar for the International Rescue Committee. The government has declared a state of emergency in six regions. Relief teams are assessing urgent needs while providing emergency medical care and humanitarian aid.

Reports indicate that in one town near Mandalay, 80% of buildings collapsed, though communication disruptions have limited media coverage. In some areas, landslides have blocked access to villages, further complicating relief efforts. The earthquake, centered near Mandalay, has left the city of 1.5 million struggling with damaged infrastructure, including the city's airport. A shortage of heavy machinery has slowed rescue operations, forcing many to search for survivors by hand in extreme heat exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).

The earthquake also impacted neighboring Thailand, where at least 18 people were killed, many at a construction site in Bangkok where a partially built high-rise collapsed. Another 33 people were injured, and 78 remain missing, primarily at the construction site near the popular Chatuchak market. Rescue teams have been using machinery to detect signs of life under the rubble. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt reported that signals were detected Sunday night, though it was unclear whether they were from survivors or machine errors.

“Even if one life is saved, it is worth all the effort,” he said.

Myanmar Declares Week-long National Mourning

Myanmar's State Administration Council Chairman, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, announced a week-long mourning period from March 31 to April 6 to honor those who perished in the earthquake. During this time, the national flag will be flown at half-mast.

According to Myanmar's State Administration Council, about 1,700 people have died, 3,400 are injured, and 300 remain missing. The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology reported 36 aftershocks, ranging in magnitude from 2.8 to 7.5, as of Monday morning.

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake, followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock minutes later, struck the Mandalay region, causing massive casualties and damage across multiple countries. The epicenter was just 20 km from Mandalay. In response, the National Disaster Management Committee declared a state of emergency across the Sagaing, Mandalay, and Magway regions, parts of Shan State, Naypyitaw, and the Bago Region.

Rescue operations are ongoing, and international relief efforts are being rapidly mobilized to assist affected populations. Several key roads linking Mandalay and Yangon have been damaged or blocked, while airports in Mandalay and Naypyitaw were temporarily closed. Photos and videos on social media reveal significant structural damage to buildings, temples, and historical sites, including Mandalay Palace and Mahamuni Pagoda.

The United States Geological Survey has identified this earthquake as the strongest in magnitude so far this year. Tremors were also felt in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and southwest China. In Thailand, 10 people died, 42 were injured, and 78 remain missing, according to authorities.

Following the quake, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared a state of emergency in Bangkok. Noticeable tremors were felt in northern provinces, including Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, where some tourist attractions collapsed.

Hours after the earthquake, India responded swiftly by dispatching rescue teams and providing humanitarian aid to assist in evacuations and support displaced communities.