A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, killing over 1,600 people, damaging infrastructure, and displacing many. Rescue efforts are hindered by civil war, damaged roads, and aftershocks, with neighboring Thailand also affected.

Emergency rescue teams began arriving on Sunday in the areas of Myanmar most severely affected by the devastating earthquake that has claimed the lives of more than 1,600 people.

However, their efforts have been hampered by damaged roads, collapsed bridges, unreliable communication networks, and the added difficulty of operating in a country currently embroiled in a civil war.

The powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck around midday on Friday, with its epicenter located near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. The tremor caused widespread destruction, bringing down numerous buildings and damaging critical infrastructure, including Mandalay’s airport.

In the aftermath, many of the city's 1.5 million residents were forced to spend the night on the streets. Some had been left homeless due to the quake, while others feared that ongoing aftershocks could lead to further structural collapses. The earthquake's impact extended beyond Myanmar, shaking neighboring Thailand, where at least 17 people lost their lives.

On Sunday, panic spread again as a 5.1 magnitude aftershock struck, sending people screaming into the streets. However, there were no immediate reports of additional damage.