Myanmar earthquake death toll climbs to more than 800

Myanmar Now, Mar 29: The death toll from a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday has continued to rise, reaching more than 800 as rescue operations continue.

The earthquake, which struck around midday on Friday, was centred just west of Myanmar’s second-largest city Mandalay. Its impact has been felt in a number of major urban centres, including the capital Naypyitaw.

Initial reports put the number of dead at 144, but as the leader of Myanmar’s military junta, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, arrived in Mandalay early Saturday, revised figures were released putting the death toll at 808, with 2,400 others injured.

These numbers are expected to continue to climb amid ongoing search-and-rescue operations, with many more still feared trapped under the rubble.