WATCH: Thousands feared dead as powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake hits Myanmar

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake shook Myanmar on Friday, causing buildings to collapse and potentially leaving thousands dead. 

The United States Geological Survey estimated more than 10,000 people may have been killed in Myanmar.

Tremors were felt across Southeast Asia, reaching as far as Bangkok, Thailand.

The quake struck around 12:50 pm local time near Myanmar’s central Sagaing region, which has been devastated by military conflict. 

Myanmar’s military junta, pro-military militias, and rebel groups are all vying for control of the area, making access difficult for rescue workers.

Myanmar’s military government said multiple fatalities have been reported, and hospitals in the centre of the country are in urgent need of blood donations. 

The junta also declared an “emergency situation” in Mandalay and the military-built capital, Naypyidaw.

In neighbouring Thailand, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced an “emergency zone” in Bangkok after the partial collapse of an under-construction high-rise. 

At least one person was killed, and 43 people are trapped. Two more deaths were also reported in the city.

Video posted online showed people fleeing swaying apartment towers as debris filled the air, while traffic ground to a halt on typically congested streets. 

In Myanmar, where infrastructure has been devastated by years of military rule, rescue efforts are difficult. 

Communications remain poor, especially in rural areas where structures are primarily built with wood and thatch.

The country’s ongoing civil war has destroyed its healthcare system, complicating disaster response. 

Sagaing, the quake’s epicentre, has seen intense fighting and sporadic checkpoints, limiting emergency crews ability to reach affected communities.

China’s Yunnan province felt tremors, although no serious damage was immediately reported there.

Officials from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs say they are gathering information and planning assistance as more details become available.