Myanmar earthquake death toll rises to over 1,000 as rescue efforts continue

Naypyidaw – 29 March 2025: The death toll from a huge earthquake that hit Myanmar has reached more than 1,000, as rescuers dig through the rubble of collapsed buildings in a desperate search for survivors.

The shallow 7.7-magnitude quake struck northwest of the city of Sagaing in central Myanmar in the early afternoon on Friday, followed minutes later by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock.

According to the Guardian, the quake destroyed buildings, downed bridges, and buckled roads across swathes of Myanmar, with severe damage reported in the second biggest city, Mandalay.

A devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake has struck Myanmar, causing the collapse of several buildings.

Heartbreaking visuals show rescue efforts underway as people are pulled from the debris.

Prayers for Myanmar 🇲🇲 🙏🏻#Myanmar #Earthquake #PrayForMyanmar pic.twitter.com/W5g9XVfShY

— अरुण कुमार सिंह (@Arunk750) March 28, 2025

The ruling junta said on Saturday 1,002 people had been confirmed dead and 2,376 injured, with most of the dead in the Mandalay.

With communications badly disrupted in Myanmar, the true scale of the disaster has yet to emerge from the isolated military-ruled state, and the toll is expected to rise significantly.

It was the biggest quake to hit Myanmar in over a century, according to US geologists.