Over 2,000 People Have Now Been Killed In The Huge Magnitude 7.7 Earthquake That Struck Myanmar

The death toll from the massive earthquake in Myanmar has risen to more than 2,000, with about 3,400 people injured and more than 300 still missing as of Sunday, March 30.

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar near Mandalay on Friday, March 28, followed by a magnitude aftershock.

The earthquake, the strongest in Myanmar in more than 100 years, wreaked havoc across the country, destroying many buildings including hospitals and damaging roads and bridges.

The quake had the destructive power of 334 atomic bombs detonating at the same time, a geologist told CNN.

Aftershocks again shook Mandalay over the weekend, causing residents to flee in panic, according to the Guardian.

Myanmar’s military warned the death toll could rise, and the US Geological Service estimated it may exceed 10,000.

Rescue operations are continuing in Mandalay and other hard-hit areas, including Sagaing and Naypyidaw, but relief efforts have been slowed by damaged roads, fallen bridges and poor communication.

Local residents have led the search for survivors, clearing rubble by hand and with shovels in scorching 41°C (106°F) heat, with little heavy equipment available, according to AP.

On Sunday, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the earthquake a top-level emergency.

Several countries, including India, China, USA, Singapore and Thailand, have sent aid to Myanmar after the earthquake.

In neighboring Thailand, the quake shook much of the country, killing at least 18 people and also leading to a collapse of a 30-story under construction building in Bangkok.

Even as Myanmar struggles with the earthquake's aftermath, reports say the military, which seized power in a coup in 2021, is still carrying out airstrikes on civilian areas.

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