Bangkok, 29 March 2025 (dpa/MIA) - The death toll in the powerful earthquakes that struck Myanmar has surged past 1,000, with more than 2,370 injured, the country’s military leadership told state media on Saturday.

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit central Myanmar on Friday at a depth of 10 kilometres, near the country's second city of Mandalay, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said.

It was followed minutes later by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock, with tremors also felt in Thailand, China, and Vietnam.

There are fears that the death toll could be much higher, with a toll of more than 10,000 a possibility due to the proximity of populated areas and the vulnerability of structures.

International organizations such as the Red Cross have reported widespread damage and also warned that critical dams on the Irrawaddy River could be at risk of collapsing.

Getting information from the situation in Myanmar has been difficult as the country has been in political turmoil since a military junta seized power in a 2021 coup.

Millions of people have been displaced by the ongoing fighting.

International teams arrive in Myanmar

International teams began to arrive in Myanmar on Saturday to help with rescue efforts.

Chinese state media said Beijing sent a team with specialized equipment, while Russian state news agency TASS reported Moscow sent two planes carrying 120 personnel and supplies.

India sent rescue and medical teams, as well as supplies, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar posted on X.

Malaysia's Foreign Ministry said the country would also send teams to support relief efforts.

In Thailand, at least three deaths have been officially confirmed.

According to media reports, up to 10 people have been killed.

In addition, there are dozens of people missing in the capital Bangkok.

Photo: epa