Myanmar quake: 144 killed, 732 injured and buildings damaged

At least 144 people were killed and 732 injured in Myanmar after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake jolted the country on Friday, the Information Team of Myanmar's State Administration Council reported.

Myanmar's State Administration Council Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said that the deaths included 96 from the capital Nay Pyi Taw, 18 from Sagaing, and 30 from Kyaukse, according to the report.

The injured included 432 from Nay Pyi Taw and 300 from Sagaing, with many buildings damaged.

According to the report, Min Aung Hlaing also called for assistance from the international community as rescue operations continue.

The earthquake struck near Mandalay, which has a population of about 1.5 million people.

A second quake struck 12 minutes after the first, according to the USGS, with a magnitude of 6.4 and its epicentre was 18km (11.1 miles) south of Sagaing.

Myanmar, among the poorest nations in Asia and long dominated by military rule, has historically struggled to mount effective responses to major natural disasters.

In contrast, Thailand, wealthier and a global tourism hub, boasts well-equipped and experienced emergency teams, allowing for a far more coordinated disaster response.

Videos shared online captured scenes of chaos as frightened residents in Myanmar and Thailand fled from swaying high-rises.