What do we know about the Myanmar earthquake so far?

A powerful magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread devastation.

The confirmed death toll from the earthquake has increased to 1,644. The new total is a sharp rise compared to the 1,002 total announced just hours earlier. The number of injured increased to 3,408, while those missing has risen to 139 from Friday's quake.

The epicenter was only about 20 kilometers from Mandalay, the country's second-largest city with a population of 1.5 million. In response, the National Disaster Management Committee declared a state of emergency across the Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, the northeastern part of Shan State, the capital of Nay Pyi Taw and Bago Region.

Neighboring countries affected

The earthquake is the strongest by magnitude so far this year, according to the United States Geological Survey. Tremors were felt in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and southwest China.

In Thailand, 10 people were killed and 42 others injured, with 78 others remaining missing in the capital of Bangkok, authorities said on Saturday.

Following the quake, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced a state of emergency in Bangkok. Noticeable tremors were felt in Thailand's northern provinces, including Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son. Some tourist attractions in the Pai District of Mae Hong Son have collapsed.

In Laos, buildings taller than three stories in the capital of Vientiane experienced noticeable shaking, with residents in high-rise buildings feeling intense swaying.

In the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi and the southern hub of Ho Chi Minh City, residents in high-rise buildings also felt the tremor.

Strong tremors were also felt in southwest China's Yunnan Province, which borders Myanmar. In Ruili City, located about 300 km from the epicenter, two people were injured, and nine people trapped in an elevator were rescued. According to the Information Office of the Ruili City government, 847 residences were damaged, affecting 2,840 people.

The earthquake also caused panic in several cities in Bangladesh, including Dhaka and Chattogram. The authorities have advised residents to remain alert and prepare for potential aftershocks.

Global aid efforts are underway

The earthquake compounds an already dire humanitarian situation in Myanmar, where nearly 20 million people need assistance, including more than 3.5 million people displaced from their homes.

The international community has mobilized to assist Myanmar. The United Nations has allocated $5 million for humanitarian efforts. India has sent 15 tonnes of relief materials, including tents, blankets, and medical supplies. Russia, Malaysia, and Singapore have also contributed aid and personnel to support relief operations.

A Chinese national rescue team of 82 members, sent by the Chinese government at the request of the Myanmar government, arrived at the Yangon International Airport on Saturday afternoon with rescue equipment and supplies aboard a chartered Air China flight. They departed from the Beijing Capital International Airport on Saturday morning.

China has also decided to provide Myanmar with 100 million yuan (approximately $13.8 million) in emergency humanitarian aid to support earthquake relief efforts, a spokesperson for the China International Development Cooperation Agency said.

On Saturday morning, 37 people from China's Yunnan Rescue Medical Team arrived in Myanmar. They carried emergency relief supplies, including full-feature life detectors, earthquake early-warning systems, portable satellite telecom devices and drones, and has joined forces with Myanmar's fire and rescue services to undertake disaster relief work in the affected areas of Nay Pyi Taw.

Earlier in the day, Yunnan Province sent an initial batch of 80 tents and 290 blankets by air to Myanmar.

(With input from agencies)