The death toll from a massive earthquake in Myanmar has passed 1,000, the ruling junta said on Saturday, with more than 2,000 injured, reports BSS.
A statement from the junta's information team said 1,002 people are known to have died in Friday's shallow 7.7-magnitude quake, with 2,376 injured.
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on Friday could potentially result in a death toll as high as 100,000, with economic damage ranging from $10 billion to $100 billion, according to a preliminary assessment by the US Geological Survey (USGS).
The earthquake, which hit approximately 16 km northwest of Sagaing City, caused severe damage, particularly in Mandalay, Kyaukse, and Taungoo, where strong tremors were felt.
The USGS estimates that there is a 35% chance of between 10,000 and 100,000 deaths, with a 36% likelihood that the toll will exceed 100,000. The report highlighted the vulnerability of local buildings, many of which were not built to withstand seismic events, leaving residents at greater risk of injury and death.
Myanmar's infrastructure, particularly in densely populated areas, has been critically impacted, exacerbating the destruction.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
