A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck parts of Asia early Monday, devastating communities across southern China, northern Thailand, and Myanmar. The quake, among the strongest in the region in decades, hit at 3:42 a.m. local time with an epicenter along the China–Myanmar border. Its shallow depth of just 10 kilometers intensified the shaking, toppling homes, bridges, and roads.
Dozens have been confirmed dead, with hundreds more injured. Many remain trapped beneath rubble as emergency teams rush to rescue survivors. Efforts are slowed by blocked roads, downed power lines, and damaged infrastructure, leaving several areas difficult to access.
In northern Thailand, cities like Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai experienced violent tremors, sending residents fleeing buildings in panic. Authorities have ordered evacuations and warned of dangerous aftershocks, landslides, and structural collapses. Hospitals are bracing for mass casualties, while temporary shelters provide refuge for the displaced.
Southern China and Myanmar are also reporting severe destruction, with villages near the epicenter cut off by landslides. Governments are mobilizing disaster teams and appealing for international assistance. Survivors are urged to avoid unstable structures as relief and recovery operations intensify.
