A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck near the China–Myanmar border early Monday, jolting residents awake and sending tremors across Myanmar, southern China, and northern Thailand. The quake is being described as one of the strongest the region has experienced in decades, triggering panic as people fled buildings in the pre-dawn hours.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake originated about 10 kilometers below the surface, a shallow depth that increased its destructive force. Strong shaking was felt across a wide area, with the most severe damage near the epicenter. Homes not built to withstand earthquakes suffered structural damage, while even cities farther away reported evacuations.

The sudden quake caused widespread disruption. Power outages, damaged roads, and broken water lines were reported in multiple regions, while communication networks failed in some areas. Residents described buildings swaying and windows shattering as families gathered in the streets, fearful of aftershocks.

Authorities have confirmed dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries. Hospitals in the hardest-hit areas are overwhelmed with patients suffering from injuries caused by falling debris. Officials warned that the casualty count could rise as rescue teams reach remote villages cut off by landslides and damaged infrastructure.

Rescue operations began within hours, with first responders, soldiers, and volunteers searching through debris using heavy machinery and trained dogs. Despite unstable roads and ongoing aftershocks, teams continue to work urgently. “Every second counts,” said Dr. Li Wei, a disaster relief coordinator in Yunnan province. “We are focusing on reaching as many people as possible before it is too late.”