A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck near the China–Myanmar border, its shallow depth making the impact even more destructive. Towns were “flattening,” roads split open, and buildings collapsed within minutes. Residents had almost no warning as the violent shaking sent people running for safety.

Seismologists described the quake as “unusually intense,” noting that many buildings were not built for such force. Entire streets turned to rubble, and survivors said it felt like “the ground rolling beneath them.” Tremors reached Thailand and much of Myanmar, causing panic across the region.

Authorities have confirmed dozens dead and hundreds injured, with the toll expected to rise. Rescue teams are struggling with blocked roads, landslides, and power outages. Heavy machinery and helicopters are being used to reach trapped survivors, but access to remote areas remains difficult.

Thousands are homeless after whole neighborhoods were destroyed. Emergency shelters and tent camps are being set up while hospitals overflow with injured residents. Humanitarian groups are providing food, water, and medical care, though frequent aftershocks continue to disrupt relief work.

Experts warn the region sits on a complex fault system, meaning more tremors could hit and further damage weakened structures. Governments have declared states of emergency, deploying military units, engineers, and volunteers. As humanitarian organizations call for international assistance, the disaster highlights a long-standing problem: a lack of modern, quake-resistant infrastructure. Despite the devastation, communities are showing resilience, with neighbors rescuing families and volunteers delivering supplies through dangerous terrain.