Myanmar Hospital Declared 'Mass Casualty Area' After Devastating 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake

A massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread devastation and turning a 1,000-bed hospital in the capital, Naypyidaw, into a "mass casualty area," according to reports from news agency AFP. The quake's epicenter was near the city of Sagaing, approximately 260 kilometers away.

While there is no official confirmation on the number of casualties at the hospital, reports indicate at least 20 people have lost their lives across the country. Among them, 10 fatalities occurred when a mosque in Mandalay collapsed during prayer time.

The hospital, one of Naypyidaw’s largest medical facilities, has been overwhelmed with injured victims. Harrowing scenes outside the building show medical personnel treating patients on the streets, with IV drips suspended from makeshift gurneys as distressed relatives provide comfort.

The earthquake also caused severe damage across Myanmar, particularly in Mandalay, where residential buildings suffered extensive destruction. Additionally, the old bridge over the Irrawaddy River was reduced to rubble. A monastery on the Thailand-Myanmar border also collapsed due to the tremors.

The impact of the earthquake extended beyond Myanmar, with tremors felt in northern Thailand. In Bangkok, metro services were temporarily suspended due to safety concerns. Shocking videos circulating on social media captured a metro train shaking violently at a station.

In response to the crisis, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has declared a state of emergency in the capital, urging residents to remain vigilant as aftershocks continue to pose a threat.