Myanmar Earthquake Live Updates: The death toll from a major earthquake in Myanmar has risen to 1,644, the ruling junta said Saturday, with 3,408 people injured. A statement from the junta’s information team said that at least 139 people are still missing after Friday’s shallow 7.7-magnitude quake.
Myanmar experienced another earthquake on Saturday, just a day after powerful tremors left over 1,000 dead and many more injured.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the latest quake measured 5.1 in magnitude and struck near Naypyidaw at around 2:50 pm local time. It occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres. The extent of the damage or casualties from this new tremor is still unknown.
Series of Aftershocks Compound Crisis
The disaster began on Friday when a powerful earthquake struck near Sagaing, triggering at least 12 aftershocks. These ranged from 2.8 to 7.5 in magnitude, worsening the situation across multiple regions. The worst-affected areas include Mandalay, Bago, Magway, northeastern Shan State, Sagaing, and Nay Pyi Taw, according to Xinhua news agency.
Infrastructure Damage Slows Rescue Operations
The Myanmar government has declared a national emergency as relief teams scramble to respond. Key transport routes have been damaged, making it difficult to deliver aid. The Yangon-Mandalay highway near Naypyidaw and Mandalay has suffered extensive damage, forcing people to rely on an older route to reach affected areas. Parts of Mandalay Airport have also collapsed, further limiting movement between the country’s largest cities.
Power Cuts and Communication Failures Pose Challenges
Rescue operations are facing severe obstacles. Fire service personnel from lower Myanmar have arrived in hard-hit locations, but widespread power outages and disrupted communication networks are slowing their progress. The destruction has left thousands in urgent need of food, water, and medical care.
