A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck near the China–Myanmar border, “leaving experts stunned at its sudden ferocity.” With no warning and no time to prepare, the violent rupture turned quiet towns into disaster zones within minutes.

The quake hit just 10 kilometers below the surface — shallow enough to cause devastating damage. “Once peaceful towns became scenes of destruction,” with collapsed buildings, cracked roads, and terrified residents running into the streets. Tremors were felt across southern China, northern Thailand, and much of Myanmar.

Panic spread fast. In Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, “residents poured out of buildings barefoot, clutching children,” as powerful aftershocks shook the ground. Emergency sirens blared, and reports of casualties began flooding in.

Authorities confirmed dozens dead and hundreds injured, with many still trapped under rubble. Rescue teams are struggling against blocked roads, power outages, and damaged communication lines.

Humanitarian groups have set up shelters and are calling for “urgent international support.” As one report noted, “The next few hours will decide how many lives can still be saved.” This quake, scarring three nations, stands as a chilling reminder of nature’s unstoppable force.