Myanmar earthquake UPDATES: Families forced to ‘cremate bodies in street’ as deadly quake toll hits 1,700
FAMILIES are being 'forced to cremate loved ones in the street' as Mandalay crematoriums become overwhelmed by a surge in dead bodies.
Crematoriums are struggling to cope with the surge, Myanmar Now, a news agency based in Myanmar, is reporting.
The search for survivors following the deadly Myanmar earthquake is entering its third day as residents join rescue efforts.
The initial quake struck near the central Myanmar city of Mandalay early on Friday afternoon, followed minutes later by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock.
In neighbouring Thailand, the earthquake affected the greater Bangkok area, home to around 17 million people, and other parts of the country, with 17 people now confirmed dead.
You can follow our live blog below for updates:
'Mass casualty area' declared at hospital
A major hospital in Myanmar's capital Naypyidaw has been declared a "mass casualty area", an official told AFP.
Those wounded have been placed in rows inside the facility with dozens more sat outside receiving treatment.
The hospital's emergency department has just 1,000 beds in it causing a huge overflow of patients, according to the official.
Two dead after being pulled from collapsed building
At least two people have been found dead after they were pulled out from under a collapsed building in Bangkok, emergency responds at the scene have said.
They are fearing that a number of other people may still be trapped under the rubble.
Rescue worker Songwut Wangpon told reporters that seven people have been found alive.
Pictures: Roads smashed up in Naypyidaw, Myanmar
Credit: AFP 
Credit: AFP 
Credit: AFP 
Credit: EPA
Myanmar declares state of emergency
A devastated Myanmar has officially declared a state of emergency as they continue to deal with the aftermath of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake earlier today.
The red alert is in place for both the capital Naypyidaw and the country's second largest city Mandalay.
The state administration council said the quake first struck around 20km northeast of Mandalay with three aftershocks also being felt.
Is it safe to travel to Thailand?
Here's everything you need to know about whether it's safe to travel to Thailand...
As of March 28, 2025, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to parts of south Thailand, near the Thailand-Malaysia border.
FCDO also advises against all but essential travel on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line that runs through these provinces.
This is due to regular attacks in the provinces by the border with Malaysia.
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.
Three dead after mosque collapses
At least three people have died after a mosque partially collapsed in Myanmar, according to witnesses.
Thai stock exchange immediately suspended
The Stock Exchange of Thailand has announced they have suspended all trading due to the severity of the earthquakes in Bangkok.
An announcement on their website read: "Following the earthquake incident, the Stock Exchange of Thailand hereby announces the immediate suspension of all trading activities.
"The closure affects all markets, including SET, the Market for Alternative Investment (MAI), and the Thailand Futures Exchange (TFEX), for today's afternoon session."
Indian authorities on standby to help Myanmar and Thailand
'High casualties' expected over the coming days
A serious red alert for deaths and damage has been announced by the US Geological Survey after the 7.7 magnitude quake in Myanmar.
Their official website says "high casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread".
Thousands of deaths are likely, they added.
Thai airports may have to shut down due to quakes
Airports in Thailand have reportedly been probing if they will need to suspend all operations due to the earthquake.
Some flights are believed to have been cancelled shortly after PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra labelled Bangkok as an "emergency zone".
Watch: Terrifying footage shows the devastating earthquake
Massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake rocks Bangkok & Myanmar as buildings collapse & tremors felt as far as India'I witnessed a building collapse in front of my eyes'
People were forced to run out of the buildings in Mandalay and Yangon to escape getting trapped.
One witness told Reuters: "We all ran out of the house as everything started shaking.I witnessed a five-storey building collapse in front of my eyes.
"Everyone in my town is out on the road and no one dares to go back inside buildings."
State of Emergency in Thailand
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Thailand convened an urgent meeting with his officials to discuss the earthquake's effects.
He has declared Bangkok an "emergency zone" and called on everyone to leave any high-rise structures right away.
According to the Department of Disaster Prevention, the earthquake affected practically every area of the nation.
The quake devastation in pictures
Multiple buildings have collapsed, the roads formed cracks, and thousands of people were forced to evacuate in Myanmar.
People trapped under the building
Medics have rushed to rescue at least 67 people who were left trapped under the 30-storey building in Myanmar.
The high-rise block was reportedly under construction.
Devastating quake
Footage shared on social media showed the devastating damage caused by the quake.
Multiple buildings have collapsed in Mandalay.
Buildings collapse in Bangkok
A skyscraper under construction has collapsed in Bangkok after the tremor reached Thailand.
Footage shared on social media showed the horrifying moment the building caved in.
7.7 tremor
According to the United States Geological Survey, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake has hit Central Myanmar this morning.
