The death toll from a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar has risen to more than 1,644, as rescue workers continue to recover bodies from the ruins of collapsed buildings.
The earthquake, which hit near the country's second-largest city, has left a trail of destruction, with officials warning that the number of casualties could climb further.
According to a statement from Myanmar's military-led government, the number of injured increased to 3,408.
Additionally, 139 individuals remain missing as search and recovery efforts persist.
Authorities cautioned that these figures are provisional and are expected to rise as more information is gathered.
As Myanmar reeled from death and destruction, India on Saturday mounted a multi-agency mission delivering 15 tonnes of essential materials and dispatching more aid by air and sea along with rescue teams to the neighbouring country.
In a reflection of New Delhi's strong commitment to extend help, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Myanmar's Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and said India stands in solidarity with the people of that country.
India has named its rescue mission for Myanmar as 'Operation Brahma'.
Hours after New Delhi delivered 15 tonnes of essential relief materials to Yangon in a military transport aircraft, another military plane landed in Myanmar's capital Nay-Pyi-Taw carrying a group of rescue personnel.
India became the first country to bring rescue personnel to the capital city to help local authorities, officials said.
"Conveyed our deep condolences at the loss of lives in the devastating earthquake. As a close friend and neighbour, India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this difficult hour," the prime minister said on 'X' after his phone conversation with the senior military general.
"Disaster relief material, humanitarian assistance, search & rescue teams are being expeditiously dispatched to the affected areas as part of #OperationBrahma," he said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said Indian naval ships INS Satpura and INS Savitri are carrying 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid and headed for the port of Yangon.
In a social media post, Jaishankar also said that an 80-member strong search and rescue team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) departed for Myanmar's capital Nay Pyi Taw.
They will assist the rescue operations in Myanmar, he added.
The earthquake struck at midday on Friday, with its epicenter near Mandalay.
It was followed by a series of powerful aftershocks, including one registering 6.4 in magnitude.
The tremors caused widespread structural damage, toppling buildings, buckling roads, collapsing bridges, and even breaching a dam.
In the capital, Naypyidaw, recovery operations were underway on Saturday as emergency crews worked to repair damaged infrastructure.
However, power outages and disruptions to phone and internet services continued to affect much of the city.
Many government housing units were among the structures destroyed, though access to these areas was restricted by authorities.
The earthquake was felt beyond Myanmar’s borders, with neighboring Thailand also experiencing strong tremors.
The greater Bangkok area, home to approximately 17 million people, reported significant shaking.
Thai officials confirmed that 10 people had died, and 78 remained missing, most of them linked to a construction site near the city's bustling Chatuchak market.
As rescue operations continue, authorities in both Myanmar and Thailand remain on high alert, bracing for further aftershocks and additional reports of damage and casualties.
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