Earthquake Devastates Myanmar, Kills Over 700 Muslims, Thousands Injured

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A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar on Friday. The disaster caused widespread destruction and claimed thousands of lives. The military-led government confirmed on Monday that over 700 Muslims died as mosques collapsed during Friday prayers.

Government spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun told state-run MRTV that at least 3,400 people were injured. More than 300 people were still missing. Earlier reports suggested 1,644 deaths, but the numbers remain unclear as rescue efforts continue.

The earthquake struck at midday. It affected major cities, including the capital Naypyitaw and Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city. Buildings collapsed, and entire neighborhoods were reduced to rubble.

For Myanmar’s Muslim minority, the timing was devastating. The earthquake hit during Friday prayers in the holy month of Ramadan. According to Tun Kyi, a member of the Spring Revolution Myanmar Muslim Network, around 700 worshippers died as mosques collapsed. He said that about 60 mosques were damaged or destroyed. Videos posted on The Irrawaddy news site showed several mosques toppling while people ran for safety.

A monastery in Mandalay also suffered major destruction. At the U Hla Thein monastery, 270 monks were taking a religious exam when the earthquake hit. Rescue workers confirmed that 70 monks managed to escape. However, 50 were found dead, and 150 remained missing.

The actual number of deaths and injuries is believed to be much higher. Many towns are cut off due to damaged roads and telecommunication failures. Lauren Ellery, deputy director of programs in Myanmar for the International Rescue Committee, said the full extent of the disaster is still unknown. “We’re really not clear on the scale of the destruction at this stage,” she told the Associated Press.

One town near Mandalay reportedly lost 80% of its buildings. However, it was not widely reported due to slow telecommunications. Even in less affected areas, landslides blocked access to villages, making rescue missions difficult.

Rescue teams are working day and night, but operations are slow. There is a lack of heavy machinery, forcing people to search for survivors by hand. The extreme heat, with temperatures above 40°C (104°F), makes the task even harder. The city’s airport and other infrastructure were also damaged, delaying aid efforts.

The earthquake also impacted Thailand. At least 18 people died in Bangkok, mostly at a construction site where a partially built high-rise collapsed. Authorities reported 33 injuries and 78 missing people, mostly at the construction site near Chatuchak market.

Rescue crews in Bangkok used special equipment to detect signs of life under the rubble. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said on Sunday that some signs were detected, though experts could not confirm if they were human. He remained hopeful, saying, “Even if one life is saved, it is worth all the effort.”

The Myanmar government has declared a state of emergency in six regions. International organizations are rushing to provide aid. Thousands of people remain missing, and the full scale of the disaster is still unfolding. Survivors continue to wait for help, hoping to find their loved ones alive.