People across the region were pulled from sleep by sudden, forceful jolts in the early hours of the morning.
Some described hearing a deep, unsettling rumble just moments before walls trembled and structures began to move. Electricity failed in several locations, mobile service became unreliable, and frightened residents rushed outdoors, unsure whether the shaking had ended or if another удар was imminent. The early timing only added to the anxiety as officials worked to understand the scope of the unfolding crisis.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck parts of Myanmar, southern China, and northern Thailand early Monday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake occurred around 3:42 a.m., with its epicenter near the Myanmar–China border in China’s Yunnan province, at an estimated depth of about 10 kilometers. The tremor was strongly felt in northern Thailand, prompting evacuations as buildings swayed.
Myanmar bore the heaviest losses. At least 48 people were confirmed dead, more than 300 were injured, and dozens remained missing. Authorities declared states of emergency in several regions as search-and-rescue teams worked through collapsed structures, particularly in and around the city of Lashio.
Conclusion
As morning light exposed the damage, emergency crews continued their search for survivors trapped beneath debris. Officials cautioned that the toll could increase, with aftershocks still a concern and communication lines not fully restored in some areas. The quake has once again highlighted the seismic risks faced by the region—and the critical importance of preparedness when disasters strike without notice.