International Desk

Myanmar's military government has reported that the death toll from the devastating earthquake near the country's second-largest city has surpassed 1,000.

The latest update confirms that 1,002 people have been found dead since the earthquake struck Mandalay on Friday, according to the military’s statement.

The earthquake has also left 2,376 people injured, with 30 reported missing. Authorities have warned that the numbers could continue to rise, as they are still gathering detailed figures.

Earlier updates reported that the earthquake’s impact resulted in nearly 700 deaths. As more bodies were pulled from the wreckage of collapsed buildings, the toll reached 694 dead, 1,670 injured, and 68 missing.

The ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar has complicated relief efforts, as it makes travel across the country difficult and dangerous, heightening concerns that the death toll may rise even further.

The earthquake struck on Friday afternoon near Mandalay, followed by several aftershocks, including a strong 6.4 magnitude tremor. The earthquake caused widespread damage, toppling buildings, damaging roads, collapsing bridges, and bursting a dam.Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, head of Myanmar's military government, noted in a rare TV address that the death toll was expected to climb, reporting an initial count of 144 fatalities.

The earthquake also affected neighboring Thailand, including the Bangkok area, where the tremors caused a construction site collapse. Authorities in Bangkok have reported six deaths, 26 injuries, and 47 missing, most of whom were workers at a construction site near Chatuchak market.

In Thailand, a 33-story building under construction for the Thai government collapsed, sending dust and debris into the air and prompting panic. As of Saturday, recovery efforts continued, but hope was fading for the missing.

Myanmar’s government has appealed for blood donations and confirmed that it is open to international assistance. A 37-member team from China’s Yunnan province has already arrived in Yangon with equipment, and Russia, India, and Malaysia have sent teams to assist in the recovery efforts. The United Nations has allocated $5 million to aid in relief efforts.