The magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the Kumamoto area on the southern island of Kyushu, disrupting transportation, damaging critical infrastructure and forcing thousands of residents into evacuation shelters as authorities continued assessing the full extent of the disaster.

The earthquake has renewed concerns about disaster preparedness in one of the world’s most seismically active countries, where memories of the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquake remain strong.

Rescue Operations Continue at Damaged Sites

Soldiers and emergency responders searched multiple damaged locations, including a shopping mall in the town of Kashima where part of the building collapsed following an explosion believed to have been caused by a gas leak.

Japan’s Self-Defense Forces joined rescue crews at the damaged Aeon Mall, where the collapse of the second floor trapped people inside. Authorities had not announced how many individuals might still be missing at the site.

At a factory operated by Nippon Paper Industries Co. in Yatsushiro, a collapsed chimney trapped workers beneath debris. Kumamoto emergency officials said seven people were believed to remain trapped as of Wednesday, while rescuers had recovered two survivors and two bodies.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said rescue efforts remained the government’s highest priority and urged emergency personnel to continue searching for survivors.

“There are people who are still waiting to be rescued, and it’s a race against time,” Takaichi said.

Thousands Remain Without Essential Services

The earthquake disrupted electricity, gas and communications across parts of the affected region.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said approximately 36,900 homes remained without electricity, while about 9,500 households continued to lack gas service. Communications networks also remained unavailable in some communities.

More than 9,000 people were staying in over 500 evacuation shelters, where authorities worked to provide additional electrical power so air conditioning could operate during an ongoing heat wave. Temperatures in the region were forecast to exceed 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit).

The government said it was preparing deliveries of food, water and other essential supplies to affected communities.

Takaichi also expressed condolences to the families of those killed and urged evacuees to take precautions against heat-related illness while remaining in shelters.

Transportation and Historic Sites Sustain Damage

Transportation services remained disrupted as engineers inspected infrastructure for damage.

The Kyushu Shinkansen bullet train service remained suspended, while Aso Kumamoto Airport gradually resumed operations after one of its runways was temporarily closed for inspections. Officials warned that some flight cancellations were still possible.

Kumamoto Castle, one of the region’s best-known historical landmarks, also sustained damage, with sections of its stone walls affected by the earthquake, according to Kyodo News. The castle has been undergoing restoration work since suffering extensive damage during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake.

Residents said the latest earthquake revived memories of the earlier disaster. Hiroki Shimoda, an official in Mifune town, said the shaking reminded him of the 2016 earthquake, which killed at least 50 people.

Authorities continued search-and-rescue operations while evaluating structural damage across the region, warning that the full impact of the disaster remains under assessment.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

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The back-to-back quakes, among the strongest recorded in Venezuela in more than a century, were felt across northern South America and parts of the Caribbean, prompting evacuations and emergency response efforts in multiple countries.

Authorities were still assessing the full extent of the damage several hours after the earthquakes, while officials worked to determine whether there were casualties or major infrastructure losses.

Twin Quakes Shake Coastal Region

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the first earthquake measured magnitude 7.2 and struck west of the coastal community of Morón shortly after 6 p.m. local time. The quake occurred at a depth of approximately 22 kilometers (14 miles).

Roughly one minute later, a second and stronger earthquake measuring magnitude 7.5 struck near the same area at a shallower depth of about 10 kilometers (6 miles).

The epicenters were located along Venezuela’s Caribbean coastline, west of Caracas.

The close timing and strength of the earthquakes intensified shaking across a wide geographic area, causing concern among residents and emergency officials.

Caracas Experiences Structural Damage

In Caracas, people evacuated apartment buildings, offices, restaurants and commercial establishments as structures swayed during the prolonged shaking.

Witnesses reported seeing collapsed walls, damaged buildings and clouds of dust rising from several neighborhoods. Debris littered some streets, while fallen utility poles and damaged infrastructure complicated movement around parts of the city.

Several districts experienced interruptions to electrical service and mobile communications, making it difficult for families to contact relatives and assess their safety.

Residents remained outdoors for hours after the earthquakes, fearing aftershocks and additional structural failures.

Many gathered in open spaces with family members and pets as emergency crews moved through affected areas.

Officials Launch Emergency Response

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the earthquakes were felt in multiple Venezuelan states and acknowledged reports of significant damage in parts of Caracas.

He urged residents to follow emergency protocols and remain cautious because aftershocks could further weaken already damaged buildings.

Authorities deployed emergency personnel, rescue teams and medical responders to affected locations while conducting damage assessments.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez prepared a national address following the disaster, although some political figures criticized the delay in providing detailed public information during the initial hours after the earthquakes.

Opposition leaders called for clear communication regarding rescue efforts, damage assessments and any reports of injuries or fatalities.

Tremors Felt Across the Region

The earthquakes were felt far beyond Venezuela’s borders.

In neighboring Colombia, residents in Caribbean and northeastern regions reported noticeable shaking, though authorities said there were no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage.

Brazilian media reported evacuations in several Amazon-region cities, including Manaus, Belém and Macapá, located more than 1,700 kilometers (1,050 miles) from the epicenter.

The widespread impact highlighted the extraordinary strength of the seismic event.

Tsunami Alerts Issued

The earthquakes also prompted tsunami monitoring and precautionary alerts in parts of the Caribbean.

The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued alerts for some island territories following the earthquakes, while authorities in several Caribbean nations monitored coastal conditions.

Officials in Colombia stated that the country’s Caribbean coastline was not at risk of a tsunami.

Emergency management agencies continued evaluating ocean conditions and monitoring for potential aftershocks.

Rare Event for Venezuela

Although Venezuela lies near several geological fault systems, major earthquakes of this magnitude are relatively uncommon compared with countries along Latin America’s Pacific coast.

Nations such as Chile, Peru and Mexico experience frequent seismic activity because they sit along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most active earthquake zones.

The twin earthquakes on Wednesday rank among the most powerful seismic events recorded in Venezuela in modern history and are likely to prompt renewed discussion about disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience in the country.

As rescue operations continued late into the evening, authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and follow official safety guidance while engineers assessed damaged structures and emergency crews searched affected areas.

Tags: Venezuela, Caracas, Earthquake, Natural Disaster, Caribbean, Morón, Seismic Activity, Colombia, Brazil, Tsunami Alert, Emergency Response, South America

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According to Philippine disaster officials, the magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit off the coast of Mindanao early Monday morning, triggering building collapses, landslides and tsunami waves that reached nearby coastal communities. Authorities reported that most fatalities resulted from collapsing structures and falling debris, while a deadly landslide accounted for several deaths in Sarangani province.

The disaster prompted immediate response efforts from the Philippine government and expressions of support from several international partners, including the United States, Japan, France and New Zealand.

Strong Quake Rocks Mindanao Region

The earthquake struck at 7:37 a.m. local time and was centered offshore near Mindanao, the Philippines’ second-most populous island.

Teresito Bacolcol, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, said the quake occurred at a depth of approximately 33 kilometers (20 miles) and was located about 32 kilometers southwest of Maasim town in Sarangani province.

Bacolcol described the earthquake as the strongest recorded in the Philippines this year and warned residents to exercise caution before re-entering damaged homes and buildings because of the risk posed by aftershocks.

The shaking was felt across much of southern Mindanao, sending residents rushing into streets and open areas.

Rod Sosmeña, a regional director of the Office of Civil Defense, told The Associated Press that the shaking was extremely strong and caused widespread panic among residents.

Buildings Collapse as Casualties Rise

Significant structural damage was reported in General Santos, a major port city and commercial hub in southern Mindanao.

Several low-rise buildings either collapsed or suffered severe damage, prompting large-scale search and rescue operations. Officials said rescuers were searching damaged structures, including a supermarket, warehouse and school buildings, for individuals who may still be trapped.

At least four people remained missing as rescue operations continued.

The earthquake also disrupted transportation services. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said operations at General Santos International Airport were temporarily suspended and 17 domestic flights were canceled while authorities assessed infrastructure damage.

Elsewhere, a four-story commercial building partially collapsed, according to reports by the DZRH radio network. Staff members evacuated safely and no injuries were reported at the facility.

Landslide Adds to Death Toll

One of the deadliest incidents occurred in Glan, a municipality in Sarangani province, where a landslide triggered by the earthquake buried part of a village.

Provincial disaster-mitigation official Rene Punzalan told the DZBB radio network that 13 people were killed in the landslide. Four additional fatalities were reported elsewhere in Sarangani.

Other deaths were reported in South Cotabato, Davao Occidental and Balut Island, where collapsing structures and falling debris caused casualties, according to disaster-response officials.

First Day of School Turns Chaotic

The earthquake struck as schools across parts of the Philippines reopened following a two-month summer break.

In the rural town of Malita in Davao Occidental province, more than 100 students and several teachers had gathered for a flag-raising ceremony when the ground began shaking.

School principal Rosavel Cachuela told The Associated Press that many children became frightened as the quake unfolded. While some students cried and screamed, no injuries were reported after staff helped maintain order during the emergency.

A motorcycle was damaged when part of a nearby structure collapsed during the shaking.

Tsunami Waves Reach Coastal Communities

The earthquake generated tsunami waves that affected several coastal areas in the southern Philippines.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported that tsunami threats largely subsided about five hours after the earthquake. Philippine authorities lifted local tsunami warnings later in the day.

Officials reported damage to several stilt houses in a coastal village in Zamboanga del Sur province after elevated waves reached shore.

Bacolcol said tsunami waves measuring approximately one meter (three feet) were recorded in Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat provinces, while a wave reaching 1.4 meters (4.6 feet) was observed in Kiamba town.

Outside the Philippines, tsunami gauges recorded an 83-centimeter wave near Indonesia’s Sulawesi island. Smaller waves were also measured in Palau and Japan, where authorities detected sea-level fluctuations on Chichijima Island and in Kushimoto.

Government Mobilizes Response

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the suspension of classes in affected areas and directed national disaster agencies to accelerate relief and recovery efforts.

In a statement, Marcos said the national government was fully engaged in assisting communities affected by the earthquake across Mindanao.

Emergency teams continued assessing damage, restoring services and searching for missing residents as authorities worked to determine the full scale of the disaster.

Disaster Risks Remain High

The Philippines is among the world’s most disaster-prone countries due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active zone that generates frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.

The country is also regularly affected by tropical cyclones and severe storms, creating recurring challenges for disaster preparedness and emergency response agencies.

Officials warned that aftershocks could continue in the coming days and urged residents to follow safety advisories while inspections of damaged infrastructure remain underway.

Tags: Philippines, Earthquake, Mindanao, Tsunami, Disaster Response

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The earthquake hit near General Santos City on the island of Mindanao at 7:37 a.m. local time, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported. The agency said the epicenter was located approximately 13 kilometers southwest of the city at a depth of 10 kilometers.

Authorities immediately urged residents living in coastal areas to move to higher ground following tsunami warnings issued after the quake. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) warned that waves reaching up to 3 meters could affect some Philippine coastlines, while smaller tsunami waves were considered possible along parts of Indonesia and Malaysia.

“We advise people to evacuate to higher grounds or go further inland,” PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol said as emergency officials monitored coastal conditions.

General Santos City, a major commercial center in Mindanao with a population of more than 700,000, experienced shaking strong enough to damage buildings and disrupt power supplies. Local media reports indicated that part of a four-story commercial building housing a provincial radio station office collapsed during the earthquake.

Staff members reportedly evacuated the building without injury, though authorities had not immediately confirmed whether anyone else remained trapped inside the damaged structure. The earthquake struck before normal business hours, limiting the number of people likely to have been inside office buildings.

Tsunami Concerns Spread Across the Region

The tsunami warning extended beyond the Philippines, with monitoring agencies cautioning that coastal areas in neighboring countries could experience elevated sea levels and strong currents.

The PTWC said waves of up to 1 meter were possible in parts of Indonesia and Malaysia. Smaller sea-level fluctuations were also considered possible in Taiwan, Japan, Guam, Papua New Guinea, and several Pacific island nations and territories.

Indonesian authorities reported that tsunami waves reaching as high as 18 centimeters were recorded along sections of North Sulawesi and North Maluku provinces. Residents in parts of north-central Indonesia also reported feeling the earthquake.

Officials continued monitoring coastal conditions throughout the region as precautionary measures remained in effect.

Aftershocks Follow Major Tremor

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported multiple aftershocks following the initial earthquake, including tremors reaching magnitude 6.5.

USGS measurements differed from those reported by Philippine authorities, placing the earthquake at a depth of approximately 55 kilometers. Such differences are common in the immediate aftermath of major seismic events as agencies analyze incoming data.

No immediate fatalities were reported, and authorities continued assessing the extent of damage in affected communities.

Philippines Faces Persistent Seismic Risks

The Philippines regularly experiences powerful earthquakes and volcanic activity because of its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a vast zone of seismic activity surrounding much of the Pacific Ocean.

In addition to earthquakes, the country faces frequent tropical storms and typhoons each year, making it one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations. Government agencies routinely conduct preparedness campaigns aimed at reducing risks from earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and severe weather events.

Emergency officials said damage assessments and coastal monitoring operations would continue as aftershocks remained possible.

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The quake, which hit near the Sanriku coastline on April 20, triggered a temporary tsunami warning and prompted evacuations across multiple prefectures. Officials said the advisory reflects a rise in the probability of a major earthquake to about 1%—ten times higher than normal levels—though authorities stress this is not a prediction of an imminent disaster.

Regional Stability Tested by Elevated Seismic Risk

Japanese authorities moved quickly to contain immediate risks, issuing tsunami alerts that were later downgraded after waves of up to 80 centimeters were recorded along parts of the northeastern coast.

According to reporting from The Associated Press, the Cabinet Office and the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a rare advisory urging residents in more than 180 coastal municipalities to review evacuation plans and emergency supplies.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called on residents to remain vigilant while continuing daily activities, emphasizing preparedness rather than panic as the government activated emergency response systems.

The earthquake, occurring at a shallow depth of roughly 19 kilometers, was strong enough to disrupt transport networks, including temporary suspension of high-speed rail services, while evacuation advisories affected more than 170,000 people across northern regions.

International Monitoring Intensifies Across Pacific

While Japan reported only minor injuries and no significant structural damage, the event has drawn close monitoring from regional and international agencies due to its location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” one of the world’s most active seismic zones.

No abnormalities were reported at nuclear facilities, a key concern for international observers given the legacy of past disasters.

Global early warning systems and neighboring countries tracked the tsunami risk, though no wider regional threat materialized and alerts were lifted within hours.

Strategic Preparedness Becomes Central Focus

The advisory marks the latest in a series of government warnings following strong offshore earthquakes, underscoring Japan’s strategy of risk communication rather than prediction. Officials reiterated that the elevated probability—from 0.1% to 1%—remains low but significant enough to justify increased readiness.

Experts note that such advisories are designed to prompt immediate preparedness actions, including securing evacuation routes and emergency supplies, particularly in coastal regions vulnerable to tsunami impact.

The quake also revived memories of the 2011 disaster, reinforcing Japan’s emphasis on rapid response systems and public awareness as core pillars of disaster mitigation.

Future Risk Outlook Under Close Watch

Seismologists warn that aftershocks and further seismic activity remain possible in the coming days, though the likelihood of a significantly larger quake remains uncertain.

Japan’s response highlights a broader global challenge: balancing public caution with scientific uncertainty in high-risk regions. For international observers, the situation serves as a reminder of the persistent vulnerabilities across earthquake-prone economies in the Asia-Pacific.

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Published: September 23, 2025, 04:30 EDT

Residents across the San Francisco Bay Area were awakened early Monday by a moderate earthquake centered near Berkeley. The 4.3 magnitude tremor caused minor property damage and disrupted transit, but no serious injuries were reported. Officials emphasized that such quakes are common in the region and typically cause limited impact.

Earthquake Details

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck just before 3 a.m., east-southeast of Berkeley, across the bay from San Francisco. The tremor was widely felt throughout the Bay Area, including in cities such as Oakland, San Francisco, and Walnut Creek.

Brayden Murdock, a seismologist with the National Weather Service in Monterey, noted, “As far as earthquakes go, this is the kind where people feel them, but there’s not a whole lot of impacts.”

Reports of Damage and Disruption

While no injuries were reported, several businesses experienced minor damage. Windows were broken, and merchandise fell from shelves in some stores.

Dave Clark, a news anchor for KTVU-TV in Oakland, shared his firsthand experience on social media: “Things were shaking in our newsroom. It caught everyone off guard.”

Impact on Transportation

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) trains experienced delays for several hours as crews conducted safety inspections across the system. Service returned to normal around midday, according to BART officials.

The USGS reported that the earthquake’s effects were felt as far as Salinas, roughly 100 miles (161 kilometers) south of Berkeley, demonstrating the broad reach of moderate quakes in Northern California.

Regional Seismic Context

The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the most seismically active regions in the United States. The last earthquake of similar magnitude near Berkeley occurred on January 4, 2018, registering 4.4 on the Richter scale.

Experts emphasize that moderate earthquakes are common in the region and usually do not cause serious damage, but they serve as reminders for residents and businesses to maintain earthquake preparedness measures.

Safety and Preparedness Recommendations

Authorities encourage residents to review earthquake safety protocols, secure heavy furniture, and maintain emergency supplies. Local emergency management agencies also stress the importance of remaining calm during tremors and following official updates from trusted sources such as the USGS and city authorities.

Outlook

While this 4.3 magnitude earthquake caused limited damage, it highlights the importance of ongoing preparedness in the Bay Area. Experts continue to monitor seismic activity and advise residents to stay informed about potential aftershocks.

Source: AP News –Residents of San Francisco Bay Area jolted awake by 4.3 magnitude earthquake

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Published Time: 08-10-2025, 14:30

BALIKESIR, TURKEY — A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck the northwestern province of Balikesir on Sunday, killing one person, injuring dozens, and causing multiple buildings to collapse, according to Turkish authorities. Tremors from the quake were felt as far away as Istanbul, more than 200 kilometers (125 miles) from the epicenter.

The quake originated in the town of Sindirgi and was powerful enough to damage residential structures, topple mosque minarets, and leave rescue teams racing to search for survivors. Officials have urged residents to remain cautious and avoid entering damaged buildings due to the risk of aftershocks.

Epicenter and Impact

Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AFAD) confirmed that the earthquake struck at a depth that amplified shaking in the Balikesir region. Sindirgi, a town near the epicenter, experienced the heaviest damage, with 16 buildings collapsing — most of them older, unused structures.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that one elderly woman died shortly after being rescued from the rubble of a collapsed building. Four others were pulled out alive, and at least 29 people sustained injuries, though none were reported in critical condition.

Television footage broadcast across Turkey showed emergency workers requesting silence at the scene so they could listen for signs of life beneath the debris. Two mosque minarets also collapsed in the quake, adding to the structural losses in the province.

Rescue Efforts and Safety Warnings

Rescue operations are ongoing, with local authorities deploying specialized search-and-rescue units alongside volunteers. AFAD confirmed that several aftershocks followed the main tremor, including one measuring magnitude 4.6. Officials have warned residents to stay away from unstable structures until engineers complete safety inspections.

Minister Yerlikaya emphasized that many of the collapsed buildings were already abandoned or in disrepair, which may have reduced the potential for higher casualties. Nonetheless, emergency teams are conducting thorough checks to ensure no one remains trapped in less accessible areas.

National Response

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a public statement on social media platform X, expressing condolences and solidarity with the affected communities.

“May God protect our country from any kind of disaster,” Erdogan wrote, wishing a speedy recovery to those impacted.

The government has pledged logistical and financial support to assist in rebuilding efforts. Provincial and municipal authorities are working together to coordinate relief supplies, including food, water, and temporary shelter for displaced residents.

Seismic History in Turkey

Turkey is among the most seismically active countries in the world, sitting atop several major fault lines, including the North Anatolian Fault. Earthquakes occur frequently, and authorities have invested in public education campaigns, building code reforms, and emergency preparedness drills to reduce future risks.

In 2023, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake devastated parts of southern and southeastern Turkey, killing more than 53,000 people and destroying or damaging hundreds of thousands of buildings. The same event also killed over 6,000 people in neighboring Syria, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to seismic disasters.

Experts warn that even moderate earthquakes, like the one in Balikesir, can cause significant damage if older, unreinforced structures are involved. Ongoing reconstruction efforts across the country include upgrading public buildings, schools, and hospitals to meet earthquake-resistant standards.

Global and Local Support

International humanitarian organizations have expressed readiness to provide assistance if requested. While current damage assessments remain localized to Balikesir and its surrounding districts, relief agencies are monitoring the situation for any emerging needs.

Local community groups have also begun mobilizing support for victims, with donations of clothing, blankets, and household essentials being collected at designated drop-off points. Volunteers are working alongside government agencies to ensure that aid reaches remote and rural areas affected by the tremors.

Moving Forward

Authorities continue to stress the importance of earthquake preparedness, particularly in high-risk zones. This includes securing furniture, preparing emergency supply kits, and developing family evacuation plans.

While the death toll from Sunday’s earthquake remains limited compared to past disasters, officials say the event serves as another reminder of the urgent need for modern, earthquake-resistant infrastructure throughout Turkey.

Source: AP News – 6.1 earthquake hits Turkey’s Balikesir province, killing 1 and collapsing buildings

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On Friday, Myanmar was rocked by a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake, the most powerful to hit the country in over a century. The tremors were felt far beyond Myanmar’s borders, shaking Thailand and even reaching nearby regions of China.

This earthquake struck a nation already grappling with turmoil. Myanmar has been in the throes of a brutal civil war since the military junta seized power in 2021, cutting off much of the country from the rest of the world. The tremors from this natural disaster have added yet another layer of suffering for a population already living in crisis.

Rescue teams have been working tirelessly in the aftermath, sifting through rubble in hopes of finding survivors. Entire buildings have collapsed, and early reports indicate a tragic loss of life. While the full scale of the damage is still unfolding, experts warn that it could take weeks before the complete toll is known.

The destruction is so widespread that satellite images have become a vital tool in assessing the aftermath. These before-and-after images starkly reveal the scale of devastation, showing entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble.

The powerful images highlight the vastness of the earthquake’s impact—flattened structures, damaged infrastructure, and swathes of land left in ruin. As Myanmar struggles to recover, these visuals underscore the dire need for immediate international aid and support.

In the midst of a long-standing political crisis, Myanmar’s latest tragedy serves as a harsh reminder of how natural disasters can further compound the suffering of those already facing immense challenges.

As rescuers continue their search and the world watches, the full extent of the destruction remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: Myanmar faces an uphill battle as it grapples with this latest catastrophe.

Source: CNN – Before and after: Satellite images show the destruction left by Myanmar earthquake

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A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The quake, which also impacted neighboring Thailand, left at least 144 people dead in Myanmar and six in Thailand, with officials warning that the toll could rise significantly in the coming days.

The earthquake’s epicenter was near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, where buildings collapsed, bridges crumbled, and aftershocks—including one measuring 6.4 in magnitude—continued to rattle the region. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, head of Myanmar’s military government, confirmed that at least 730 people were injured and emphasized that the death toll would likely increase.

Rescue efforts have been hindered by Myanmar’s ongoing civil war, which has severely limited access to affected areas. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has estimated that fatalities could exceed 1,000 as information from remote regions begins to emerge.

The destruction in Mandalay has been severe, with multiple buildings, including one of the city’s largest monasteries, reduced to rubble. Video footage shows Buddhist monks filming the Ma Soe Yane monastery as it suddenly collapsed into the ground. There are no confirmed reports on the number of casualties from the monastery collapse.

In Naypyidaw, Myanmar’s capital, emergency teams have been working to pull survivors from the debris of government housing complexes. Images from the scene depict collapsed buildings, buckled roads, and a makeshift medical camp treating the wounded.

Adding to the crisis, Myanmar’s English-language newspaper, Global New Light of Myanmar, reported that two major bridges had collapsed, including one along a key highway linking Mandalay to Yangon. A dam burst in the affected region, causing floodwaters to rise in low-lying areas, according to reports from Christian Aid workers on the ground.

Myanmar’s government has called for urgent blood donations in the hardest-hit areas. Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing stated that Myanmar is willing to accept international aid—an uncommon move for the country’s military-led administration. The United Nations has already allocated $5 million for relief efforts.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who is in his second term, pledged American support for disaster relief. However, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of the U.S. response due to previous cuts in foreign aid through USAID and the State Department.

In Thailand, the earthquake caused a dramatic building collapse in Bangkok, leaving at least six people dead, 22 injured, and 101 missing. The 33-story high-rise, still under construction near the bustling Chatuchak market, crumbled into a cloud of dust, sending onlookers into a panic. Video footage showed bystanders screaming and running for safety as steel and concrete fell in heaps.

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit called the collapse a “great tragedy.” Sirens wailed throughout downtown Bangkok as rescue teams rushed to extract survivors from the rubble. Many high-rise buildings in the city swayed violently during the quake, causing widespread fear among residents.

The quake was felt across Thailand’s capital, home to over 17 million people. Voranoot Thirawat, a lawyer working in central Bangkok, described the moment she saw lights swinging and heard the creaking of her office building. “We ran down 12 flights of stairs. I’ve never experienced an earthquake like this in Bangkok.”

Scottish tourist Fraser Morton was inside a shopping mall when the tremors began. “The whole building started shaking, and people started screaming. Some tried to run down the escalators going up,” he recounted. Similarly, English traveler Paul Vincent recalled witnessing a rooftop pool spill over and people crying in the streets as buildings swayed dangerously.

The earthquake’s impact reached China’s Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, where it caused damage and injuries in the city of Ruili near the Myanmar border. Reports indicate that the tremors in Mangshi, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) northeast of Ruili, were so intense that people struggled to stand.

With roads cracked, bridges down, and a dam burst worsening flooding, aid workers fear it may take weeks to assess the full scale of the destruction. “This disaster has devastated communities already struggling with conflict and displacement,” said Julie Mehigan of Christian Aid.

Myanmar’s ongoing civil war has left more than 3 million people displaced and nearly 20 million in need of humanitarian assistance, making disaster response even more challenging. Many areas affected by the quake are already dangerous or inaccessible due to ongoing fighting between government forces and armed resistance groups.

As rescue and relief efforts continue, both Myanmar and Thailand face a long road to recovery from one of the deadliest earthquakes to hit the region in years.

Source: AP News – Massive quake rocks Myanmar and Thailand. Hundreds feared dead

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A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and neighboring Thailand on Friday, causing widespread destruction and killing at least three people in Bangkok. The quake, with an epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, was followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock, leaving devastation in its wake.

The full extent of casualties and damage remains unclear, especially in Myanmar, where an ongoing civil war and tight media controls make information scarce. However, early reports indicate significant destruction, with numerous buildings collapsing in multiple cities. Images from Myanmar’s capital, Naypyidaw, reveal destroyed government housing and emergency teams pulling victims from the rubble.

The Myanmar government has issued urgent calls for blood donations, particularly in the hardest-hit regions, as hospitals struggle to treat the injured. Infrastructure damage, including cracked roads, collapsed bridges, and a burst dam, raises concerns about how rescuers will reach affected areas in a country already grappling with a humanitarian crisis.

Near Bangkok’s popular Chatuchak market, a 33-story building under construction crumbled, engulfing the area in a massive dust cloud. Eyewitness videos showed panicked onlookers screaming and running for safety. At least three people lost their lives in the collapse, while 90 others remain missing, according to Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Rescuers have so far pulled seven survivors from the wreckage.

As the earthquake struck, the sound of sirens filled central Bangkok, and major transport systems, including the city’s elevated rapid transit and subway, were temporarily shut down. The earthquake’s impact was unexpected in the Thai capital, which sits on a river delta and is considered at moderate risk for seismic activity.

Many residents and visitors were caught off guard by the quake. April Kanichawanakul, an office worker in Bangkok, initially mistook the tremors for dizziness before realizing what was happening. She and her colleagues rushed down ten flights of stairs, waiting outside for confirmation that it was safe to return.

Tourist Fraser Morton, who was inside a Bangkok mall, described the terrifying experience: “All of a sudden, the whole building started moving. People screamed and panicked. I tried to walk calmly at first, but when the building really started swaying, people were running down the escalators in the wrong direction.”

In Mandalay, Myanmar, the quake caused widespread destruction, including the collapse of the Ma Soe Yane monastery and damage to the city’s former royal palace. A 90-year-old bridge in the Sagaing region also collapsed, cutting off crucial transport routes.

The earthquake’s effects extended beyond Myanmar and Thailand, reaching China’s Yunnan and Sichuan provinces. Reports from Ruili, a border city in China, indicate building damage and injuries. Videos show debris-strewn streets and emergency teams transporting the injured to hospitals. In the city of Mangshi, 100 kilometers northeast of Ruili, the tremors were so strong that people struggled to stand.

The Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations are mobilizing aid, but downed power lines and infrastructure damage make access to affected areas challenging. Julie Mehigan, head of Asia, Middle East & Europe for Christian Aid, emphasized the dire situation: “This disaster has left people in desperate need of water, food, and shelter. Myanmar was already facing severe conflict and displacement before this heartbreaking earthquake.”

Myanmar’s military-led government declared a state of emergency in six regions, including Naypyidaw and Mandalay, though the country has been under emergency rule since 2021.

As rescue operations continue, authorities are bracing for further aftershocks and potential structural collapses. With Myanmar’s political instability and Thailand’s unexpected devastation, recovery efforts will be a long and arduous process. The world watches as these nations come to terms with the disaster and work toward rebuilding shattered communities.

Source:  AP News – Powerful earthquake rocks Myanmar and Thailand, killing at least 3 in Bangkok high-rise collapse

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