Myanmar Earthquake Triggers Collapse Of Naypyitaw Airport Control Tower, Flights Diverted To Yangon

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake has wreaked havoc in Myanmar, leaving more than 1,000 dead and causing widespread destruction. Among the most striking consequences of the quake was the collapse of the air traffic control tower at Naypyitaw International Airport, as revealed by satellite images from Planet Labs PBC analyzed by the Associated Press. The images depict the tower toppled as if uprooted from its base, with debris scattered around what was once a vital hub for managing air traffic in the capital.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether there were injuries or casualties in the control tower collapse. The quake likely disrupted air traffic operations, as critical electronic systems and radar functions were housed within the tower. Flights carrying rescue teams from China have been redirected to Yangon instead of landing at the affected airports in Naypyitaw and Mandalay.

According to Myanmar's military-led government, the death toll has risen to 1,002, with at least 2,376 people injured and 30 reported missing. Officials warn that these numbers may increase as search and rescue efforts continue. The earthquake, which struck midday Friday near Mandalay, triggered multiple strong aftershocks, including one measuring 6.4 in magnitude. The tremors led to widespread destruction, toppling buildings, cracking roads, collapsing bridges, and even breaching a dam.

In Naypyitaw, crews have been working to repair damaged infrastructure, though electricity, phone, and internet services remain largely down. Government housing units in the city were severely impacted, but access to those areas has been restricted by authorities. The disaster has compounded Myanmar's already dire humanitarian crisis, as the country grapples with an ongoing civil war.