Myanmar Earthquake That Killed Over 1600, Unleashed Energy Equivalent To '300+ Atomic Bombs'; Aftershocks Loom

Myanmar Earthquake: A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday, March 29, released an amount of energy equivalent to more than 300 atomic bombs, a geologist told CNN, while also cautioning of continued aftershocks in the region.

"The force released by such an earthquake is equal to around 334 atomic bombs," said geologist Jess Phoenix.

Photo Credit: AP/PTI

The earthquake, which had its epicentre near the city of Mandalay, struck around midday at a depth of 10 kilometres, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Local authorities have confirmed that the death toll has surpassed 1,600, with the USGS projecting fatalities could exceed 10,000 based on early modelling.

Phoenix warned that aftershocks may persist for several months as the Indian tectonic plate continues its collision with the Eurasian plate beneath Myanmar.

She also highlighted that the full extent of the disaster remains unclear due to Myanmar's ongoing civil conflict and a widespread communication blackout, which are significantly hampering both domestic and international understanding of the scale of destruction.

Meanwhile, India has dispatched a search and rescue team along with a medical unit, and has provided essential aid including blankets, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, sleeping bags, solar lamps, food parcels, and kitchen equipment.

China has sent a 37-member relief team from Yunnan province to Yangon, equipped with emergency supplies such as life detectors, earthquake early warning systems, and drones. The team has been tasked with providing assistance for medical and disaster relief operations.

Tremors were also strongly felt in China's Yunnan province, which shares a border with Myanmar.

The quake's effects extended as far as Bangkok in neighbouring Thailand, where six people were confirmed dead, 22 were injured, and 101 remain missing.

Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations has sent two aircraft carrying 120 rescue personnel and critical supplies, according to the state news agency TASS.

Myanmar's military-led government has declared a state of emergency across six regions and states, including the capital Naypyitaw and Mandalay, following the initial earthquake and a significant aftershock near the country's second-largest city.

State broadcaster MRTV made the emergency announcement but offered limited information on the extent of damage or casualties. With the nation embroiled in civil war, access to many areas remains restricted, and the effectiveness of government-led relief efforts is still uncertain.