Devastating earthquake in Myanmar: Death toll soars
Photo: Aftermath of the earthquake in Myanmar (UNICEF)
According to updated data, the death toll from yesterday's powerful earthquake in Myanmar has already exceeded 1,000 people. 2,376 people were injured due to the natural disaster, reports Le Monde.
Myanmar's junta announced in the morning that at least 694 people had died as a result of the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck on March 28. Previously, reports indicated 140 victims, while local authorities had given grim forecasts about the potential rise in the death toll.
In Thailand, authorities of Bangkok reported that six people were killed, 22 were injured, and 101 were missing at three construction sites, including a high-rise building that collapsed.
Earlier, reports mentioned ten victims in Bangkok. However, officials explained that several critically injured individuals had been mistakenly listed as deceased.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that search operations continued on Saturday morning. It is expected that there may still be survivors under the rubble.
Update: Death toll exceeds 1,000
Later, it was reported that the number of earthquake victims in Myanmar had surpassed 1,000, as more bodies were recovered from the debris of dozens of buildings, according to the Associated Press.
The country's military government stated that 1,002 people have now been confirmed dead, with another 2,376 injured and 30 still missing.
The statement also noted that the numbers could continue to rise as "detailed figures are still being collected."
Earthquake in Myanmar
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, causing significant destruction in one of the world's poorest countries. The epicenter was near Mandalay, the country's second-largest city.
After the earthquake, aftershocks occurred, one of which had a magnitude of 6.4.
Myanmar is located in an active seismic zone, although many tremors occur in sparsely populated areas rather than in cities like those affected yesterday.
According to forecasts from the US Geological Survey, the death toll could exceed 1,000. Besides, a US government analysis, based on the earthquake's strength and depth, suggests that thousands of casualties are possible in Myanmar.
In Mandalay, the earthquake destroyed several buildings, including one of the city's largest monasteries.
