An intense emergency is unfolding in Asia following a violent 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar, southern China, and northern Thailand early Monday morning. The quake has left dozens dead, hundreds injured, and many trapped under collapsed buildings, prompting urgent rescue efforts across the region.
The tremor occurred at 3:42 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located in a mountainous area along the Myanmar-China border in Yunnan province. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake struck at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers, intensifying the impact on nearby towns and cities. Residents in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, Thailand, also reported feeling strong shaking, prompting mass evacuations as a precaution.
Myanmar has emerged as the worst-hit country so far, declaring a state of emergency in multiple regions. Officials report at least 48 confirmed deaths, over 300 injuries, and dozens missing. In the city of Lashio, entire buildings have collapsed, leaving rescue teams racing against time to locate survivors buried beneath the rubble.
Witnesses described scenes of terror during the quake. “We heard a loud noise, and suddenly everything started shaking. The walls cracked, and the ground moved like waves,” said Myo Thant, a local resident who managed to escape with his family just before their house collapsed. Similar reports of chaotic evacuations and panic have emerged from other affected areas.
Authorities in southern China and northern Thailand are also mobilizing emergency response teams. Hospitals in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai are treating the injured, and temporary shelters have been set up for those displaced. Roads and communication lines in remote areas remain disrupted, complicating rescue operations and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
The full extent of the disaster is still being assessed, as aftershocks continue to rattle the region. Governments and international aid organizations are monitoring the situation closely, ready to provide additional assistance as needed. Officials have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions while rescue and relief operations continue.
