A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread destruction and a rising death toll. As of Saturday, the Myanmar military government reported at least 1,002 fatalities and nearly 2,376 injuries in the Mandalay region, which is close to the earthquake's epicenter. In neighboring Thailand, the capital city of Bangkok, approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from the epicenter, also felt the tremors, resulting in about 10 confirmed deaths.
The earthquake led to the collapse of buildings, bridges, and roads across affected areas. In Bangkok, a 30-story skyscraper under construction collapsed, trapping numerous workers. Rescue teams have been working tirelessly to locate survivors amid the rubble.
In response to the tragedy, several celebrities have expressed their condolences and support for the victims. Actor Patrick Schwarzenegger shared on social media, "My heart goes out to all those affected by the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Praying for the safety and recovery of everyone impacted." Similarly, members of the cast of "The White Lotus" posted messages of solidarity, urging fans to contribute to relief efforts and support organizations providing aid to the affected regions.
The international community has begun to mobilize assistance for the disaster-stricken areas. The United Nations has allocated $5 million for relief efforts, and countries including China, Russia, South Korea, Malaysia, and India have pledged support. Despite traditionally shunning foreign assistance, Myanmar's military junta has issued a rare appeal for global aid.
Rescue operations continue as authorities and volunteers search for survivors and provide aid to those affected by this catastrophic event.