Death toll from catastrophic earthquake surges to over 1,000 in Myanmar
Death toll from catastrophic earthquake surges to over 1,000 in Myanmar The 7.7 earthquake hit in Myanmar at about lunchtime on Friday, toppling buildings and bridges and shutting down airports.
Show Caption
Hide Caption
Deadly earthquake rocks Myanmar, Thailand
A 7.7 earthquake shook Southeast Asia, killing over 140. The epicenter was near Mandalay, Myanmar.
The death toll from a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake that hit Southeast Asia on Friday drastically climbed on Saturday with reports of 1,600 dead in Myanmar and predictive modeling showing the true toll could reach 10,000.
The quake struck around lunchtime on Friday, destroying buildings and bridges. Hundreds of search-and-rescue personnel from other countries entered Myanmar on Saturday to continue the grueling search for survivors and victims.
Htet Min Oo, 25, told Reuters he was dragged out from under a collapsed wall in Mandalay by other residents and tried to search the rubble for his grandmother and uncles, but eventually gave up.
"I don't know if they are still alive under the debris," he said in tears. "After so long, I don't think there's any hope."
About 600 miles from the quake's epicenter, a high-rise building collapse trapped construction workers in Bangkok, Thailand. Crews were using excavators, drones and dogs to search the debris on Saturday. At least 47 people are missing in the rubble, including workers from Myanmar.
"We always have hope," Thailand's Deputy Prime Minster Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters. "We're still working around the clock."
Death toll soars as search continues
Myanmar's military government said Saturday there were 1,644 people confirmed dead so far in the country following the earthquake, according to Agence France-Presse. In Thailand, at least nine people were killed.
According to predictive modeling by the U.S. Geological Survey, the death toll could reach at least 10,000 people. Much of the population lives in structures that are vulnerable to shaking from quakes, USGS said. Its predictions also show the damage caused by the quake could exceed the annual economic output.
"High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread," according to the USGS.
The death toll is up from an early count on Friday of about 150 as Myanmar's military government leaders warned it would rise.
Aid, rescue teams pour into Myanmar
Hundreds entered Myanmar on Saturday to help with search and rescue, while humanitarian groups said destroyed roads were hindering their ability to deliver aid to parts of the country.
"Damage to the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay expressway led to service disruptions, with cracks and surface distortions forcing highway buses to halt operations," United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a statement Saturday.
Countries including Russia, Malaysia, India, China and Singapore all pledged aid and personnel to Myanmar in the wake of the earthquake. Chinese President Xi Jinping said the country would provide $13.77 million worth of aid, including tents, blankets and emergency medical kits.
President Donald Trump also said Friday the U.S. would help Myanmar's recovery despite testy relations between the countries, including recent cuts to foreign aid from the U.S. and sanctions on Myanmar's officials.
"We're going to be helping," Trump said Friday. "We've already spoken with the country."
Contributing: Christopher Cann and Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY; Reuters
(This story has been updated to add new information.)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Chicago Tribune
10 hours ago
- Chicago Tribune
Native wisteria vines are a beautiful blue
What's a native vine that can cover a trellis or fence with June flowers the purply-blue color of a country sky just before dawn? Wisteria, that's what. Specifically, it's American wisteria (), which is native to the Southeastern states, including far southern Illinois. 'It's hardy to USDA Zone 5 and 6, which includes Chicago and its suburbs,' said Spencer Campbell, Plant Clinic manager at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle. It climbs a large steel trellis in the Arboretum's Grand Garden. Gardeners may be more familiar with other species that are now considered invasive in the United States, Chinese wisteria () and Japanese wisteria (). These Asian species spread very easily to natural areas, where their vigorous growth smothers native plants. 'We should not plant those vines,' Campbell said. 'But American wisteria is just as lovely, and it's a native plant that provides nectar and pollen to native insects.' American wisteria and the closely related Kentucky wisteria () are woody vines, with a main stem like a tree trunk, and are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in winter. They have glossy dark green leaves and produce large, drooping clusters of pealike, lightly fragrant flowers in late May or early June. The flowers of both native species are blue to purple, but white-flowering cultivated varieties have been introduced. Although American wisteria and Kentucky wisteria are less aggressive than the Asian species, they are still vigorous and can eventually grow 25 to 30 feet long if not controlled by pruning. The woody stems and branches will be heavy, so the vines need a very sturdy support. Wisteria climbs by sending out tendrils — slender curling stems — that curl around a support, the way a clematis vine does. 'The tendrils need to find something small enough that they can reach around it, so your trellis or fence should have wires or mesh or bars that are not too wide,' Campbell said. 'Wisteria can't climb a blank wall.' These plants need full sun for best flowering, so plant them in a spot that gets six to eight hours of sunlight a day. They prefer a moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil, with mulch over their roots. Wisteria will need pruning every year, both to control its size and to encourage flowering. Just after the plant finishes blooming, prune excess growth back to 6 inches. These stems will continue growing and flower buds will form on them. In winter, cut them again so that each stem has two to three flower buds left. Planting American or Kentucky wisteria will be an investment of time and effort. 'You'll have to erect the right kind of support and you'll have to wait a few years before the vines are mature enough to flower,' Campbell said. If you have the patience to wait, you can be surrounded by the green shade of a splendid vine with blooms of wisteria blue.
Hamilton Spectator
11 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Member of symphony orchestra needs new oboe to resume career after accidental fire
LONG RIVER - A member of Prince Edward Island's symphony orchestra has suffered a career setback after an accidental fire destroyed his home and an extensive collection of musical instruments. Oboist Marc DesRoches said he was trying to dispose of some sensitive papers by burning them in a stainless steel sink outside the home he and his partner once occupied in New London, P.E.I. DesRoches speculates a small leaflet may have blown free amid the windy conditions prevailing on June 2, as shortly after he returned inside to his piano, he realized his deck was on fire. The blaze spread to the home and destroyed two oboes, an English horn that was still being paid off, three pianos and a large collection of other woodwind and brass instruments, including his grandfather's tuba. Other lost treasures include a pair of Chinese vases his partner Glen Gamble has had in his family since the 19th century, as well as the couple's orange cat Tchaikovsky, who they hope has simply wandered off and is still alive. DesRoches said he's hoping to replace at least one oboe and the English horn so he can continue to perform with the orchestra. 'I feel like playing with the symphony is going to be one of the most healing things for me,' he said. Scott Mintie, chief of the New London fire department, said 25 firefighters responded to the call. Crews found a single family home engulfed in flames on arrival and the one person at home was able to get out safely, he said in a statement. 'There were high winds from the south-southwest, estimated about 35 km-h, which did contribute to the rapid spread of the fire. The vehicle in the driveway sustained some damage,' he said. 'Small spot fires caused by blowing embers were quickly extinguished by the crews.' The fire is a 'strong' reminder that emergencies can escalate quickly in windy conditions, Mintie said. 'Situations like today show that seconds do matter. The occupant's ability to exit quickly most likely prevented a far more tragic outcome.' DesRoches said the first thing he did as soon as he saw the blaze was pull out the fire extinguisher from the garage to get the blaze under control. But the fire was spreading, and he could soon feel the flames on his face. 'I ran back to the front of the house because the fire was at the very back, and I just peeked my head in the door to get eyes on the two spots that my cat is usually sitting,' he said, his voice cracking with emotion. 'Unfortunately, I didn't see her, so I couldn't grab her before I ran.' The orange cat, Tchaikovsky, also answers to 'Tchai,' said DesRoches, adding he's had the tabby for about 10 years, since she was a kitten. DesRoches said the couple had insurance for their home, but not enough to cover the cost of replacement instruments. They have started a crowdfunding campaign and hope donations will help them pay for replacements. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Wall Street Journal
a day ago
- Wall Street Journal
U.S. Army Showcases Military Might at Washington Parade Festivities
The Army marked its 250th anniversary with a military parade in Washington D.C. It's the largest U.S. military parade in decades, with the last of its kind celebrating the Gulf War victory in 1991. Photo: Kevin Mohatt/Reuters
