Sat Mar 29 12:28:00 UTC 2025: **Myanmar Earthquake Leaves Thousands Dead, Mandalay Devastated Amidst Slow Government Response**

MANDALAY, MYANMAR – A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread devastation in the country’s second-largest city, Mandalay, and leaving thousands dead. Rescue efforts are hampered by the sheer scale of destruction, a lack of equipment, and slow response from the military government.

Buildings have collapsed across Mandalay, trapping countless residents under rubble. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with one resident reporting being turned away from Mandalay General Hospital after her son suffered a fractured pelvis in the quake. She was forced to seek care at a private facility. Power outages are widespread, leading to long lines at gas stations as residents seek fuel for generators.

Rescue workers describe a grim scene, reporting that the number of fatalities could far exceed initial estimates. They are struggling with insufficient equipment, relying on borrowed machinery from private businesses and appealing for donations via social media. While the military has deployed troops, rescue workers claim they are not providing meaningful assistance and that proper aid is urgently needed.

The situation is further complicated by communication difficulties, with limited phone lines and internet access hindering coordination efforts. As the window for rescuing survivors closes, the focus is shifting towards recovery operations.

**Bangkok Also Affected**

The earthquake’s impact extended to neighboring Thailand, where a 30-story building under construction in Bangkok collapsed, leaving dozens of workers missing and at least 10 dead. Rescue efforts are underway, but the search is hampered by the uncertainty of the workers’ locations within the rubble. Heavy machinery is being used to clear debris, though significant work remains.

Across Bangkok, engineers are inspecting high-rise buildings for structural damage, following reports of cracks in numerous structures. While the city has largely returned to normal, with airports and transport functioning, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has opened a portal for damage reporting and declared the city a disaster zone. Authorities are working tirelessly to find survivors and recover bodies.

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