Naypyidaw, Myanmar - A massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake has struck Myanmar, causing widespread devastation and claiming the lives of at least 1,644 people, according to the country's military rulers. The powerful tremor, which occurred on Saturday, March 29, 2025, also sent shockwaves through neighboring Thailand, resulting in at least 10 deaths in its capital, Bangkok.   

Rescue efforts are currently underway as emergency responders and volunteers desperately search through the rubble of collapsed buildings for survivors. The Myanmar government reported that in addition to the staggering death toll, over 3,400 people have been injured, and at least 139 remain missing.   

Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city located near the earthquake's epicenter, sustained significant damage. Al Jazeera's Tony Cheng, reporting from the capital Naypyidaw, noted the widespread unease among residents. "It was a pretty uncomfortable night for lots of people. They chose to sleep outside. We saw them in parks putting mattresses outside their homes," he reported. He also mentioned the occurrence of aftershocks, which, while not major, were enough to deter people from returning to damaged structures.   

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that humanitarian operations in Myanmar are facing severe challenges due to damaged roads and critical infrastructure. The earthquake has reportedly caused significant damage to major bridges and roads, including the vital Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay expressway, leading to service disruptions and hindering access to affected areas.

"Infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings were affected, leading to casualties and injuries among civilians. Search and rescue operations are currently being carried out in the affected areas," stated Myanmar's military government.   

In a significant development aimed at facilitating relief efforts, Myanmar's shadow National Unity Government (NUG) has announced a two-week unilateral partial ceasefire in earthquake-affected regions, effective from Sunday. The NUG, which coordinates resistance against the ruling military junta, hopes this gesture will allow for smoother delivery of aid and assistance to those in need.   

The international community is likely to monitor the situation closely, with concerns mounting over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region and the logistical challenges hindering aid delivery. The priority remains the urgent task of rescuing survivors and providing essential assistance to the thousands affected by this catastrophic earthquake.

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