Rescue teams in Myanmar and Thailand are battling oppressive heat and racing against time to locate survivors following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck near Mandalay on Friday.

A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar near Mandalay on Friday, causing widespread destruction and loss of life across the region. The quake, which occurred around 12:50 local time, was followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock just 12 minutes later, compounding the damage. As of the latest reports, the death toll in Myanmar has risen to approximately 1,700, with over 3,400 injured and more than 300 individuals still missing.

In the northern Sagaing region, rescue teams have been working tirelessly to locate and extract survivors from the rubble. One notable rescue involved four individuals who were pulled from the debris of a collapsed school building nearly 60 hours after the initial quake. Tragically, a body was also recovered from the same site. Despite these efforts, many areas remain inaccessible due to damaged infrastructure, leaving locals to attempt rescues with limited resources.

Daytime temperatures of 38 to 40°C, coupled with high humidity, are making the effort even more difficult, and, rather grimly, accelerating the decay of bodies buried under immense piles of rubble.

“Now with every gust of wind, the smell of dead bodies fills the air,” says Thar Nge, a resident of Sagaing – the city closest to the epicentre of the devastating magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday.

“At this point, more bodies are being recovered than survivors,” Thar Nge said in an interview with Al Jazeera on Sunday, explaining how rescue workers from nearby Mandalay had just arrived in Sagaing earlier in the day.

Neighboring Thailand also felt the earthquake’s impact, particularly in Bangkok, where the collapse of a high-rise building under construction resulted in at least 18 deaths. Rescue operations continue as authorities search for the 76 workers still unaccounted for. The disaster has raised concerns among experts about building standards and construction practices in the region.​

The international community has responded swiftly to Myanmar’s appeal for assistance. China dispatched an 82-person rescue team, while India sent aid flights carrying emergency supplies and a field hospital unit. Other nations, including Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Ireland, South Korea, Russia, New Zealand, and the United States, have pledged support and are mobilizing resources to aid in the relief efforts. Despite these contributions, challenges remain in delivering aid to the most affected areas due to damaged roads, bridges, and ongoing security concerns.

Complicating the situation further, reports have emerged of continued military actions in regions affected by the earthquake. The United Nations has condemned these attacks, describing them as “completely outrageous and unacceptable.” The National Unity Government, representing the ousted civilian administration, has called for a temporary ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery. Despite these appeals, military airstrikes reportedly continued in northern Shan State and other affected areas, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

The earthquake has also highlighted the vulnerability of Myanmar’s infrastructure. In Mandalay, significant damage was reported at the international airport, where ceilings collapsed and parts of the basement were affected. Educational institutions, including Mandalay University, suffered structural damage, with some buildings collapsing or catching fire, trapping individuals inside. The collapse of the 12-story Sky Villa condominium in Aungmyethazan Township resulted in multiple fatalities and left many more trapped. Additionally, the Dokhtawaddy Bridge near Inwa collapsed, with vehicles plunging into the river below.

Religious structures were not spared. The Mahamuni Pagoda, a revered Buddhist site, sustained significant structural damage. Numerous mosques collapsed during Friday prayers, resulting in hundreds of fatalities. The All Myanmar Islamic Religious Organization estimated that over 50 mosques were destroyed, with significant loss of life among worshippers.

In the capital, Naypyidaw, the air traffic control tower at the international airport collapsed, killing six people and disrupting operations. Government buildings, including the parliament and ministry offices, suffered heavy damage, with reports of senior officials among the casualties. The Defence Services Museum and the National Museum also sustained damage, highlighting the widespread impact on the nation’s cultural heritage.

The earthquake’s impact extended beyond Myanmar’s borders. In Bangkok, the aforementioned collapse of a 33-storey office tower (some reports say 30 storeys) under construction resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries, which was the most notable impact of the quake felt in Bangkok. However, numerous videos of other affected buildings quickly spread on social media, some showing structural damage, while others showed rooftop pools shaking violently and spilling water over the building edges. The high-rise collapse in the Thai capital has prompted investigations into construction practices and building standards in the city. Early reports indicate the tremors were felt across 63 of Thailand’s 77 provinces, causing damage to hospitals, schools, and other infrastructure.

As aftershocks continue to rattle the region, the risk of further collapses and casualties remains high. The coming hours and days are critical as efforts continue to locate survivors and provide much-needed aid to those affected by this devastating natural disaster.

Relief experts stress that the international community’s support and coordinated relief efforts are essential in addressing the immediate needs and facilitating long-term recovery in the affected regions.