The country’s military government says 1,002 people have now been killed with 2,376 others injured. Neighbouring Thailand was also affected by the quake, leaving eight people dead, eight injured, and 79 missing.
Key points
- 1,002 killed and 2,376 injured in Myanmar
- Rescuers use machinery as the search for survivors continues
China’s President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolence to Myanmar’s leader Min Aung Hlaing after the earthquake, and, according to the Chinese embassy in Myanmar, they have spoken on the phone.
UN mobilising to help people hit by earthquake
The United Nations is mobilising in Southeast Asia to help those in need following the earthquake, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said.
“The government of Myanmar has asked for international support and our team in Myanmar is already in contact in order to fully mobilise our resources in the region to support the people of Myanmar,” Guterres said.
“But of course, other countries were impacted. The epicentre is in Myanmar, and Myanmar is the weakest country in this present situation.”
Capital’s 1,000-bed hospital damaged in quake
A 1,000-bed hospital in Myanmar’s capital Nyapyitaw was among the buildings that sustained damage from the earthquake today, state media reports.
As we’ve been reporting today, the powerful earthquake in the southeast Asian nation killed at least 144 people and toppled buildings and damaged infrastructure over a wide area.
The quake also hit Thailand.
In Myanmar, the earthquake caused the collapse of buildings in five cities and towns, as well as a railway bridge and a road bridge on the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway, Myanmar state media also said.
Doctors Without Borders staff safe after earthquakes
Staff working for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) teams in Myanmar and Thailand are safe and accounted for, the charity has said.
A statement said their medical humanitarian staff teams in the area “have the capacity to respond at scale to the needs of affected communities, once authorities facilitate swift and unhindered access for teams to do assessments and provide medical care”.
Myanmar junta calls for blood donations over ‘so many’ injuries
In an urgent appeal, Myanmar’s ruling junta is calling for blood donations and medical supplies.
Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson of the military government, called for donations in a late-night news bulletin on state television after “so many” injuries in three urban centres.
