A powerful earthquake centered in Myanmar shook Southeast Asia on Friday. In Myanmar alone, over 144 people have lost their lives, and 732 have been injured. Meanwhile, in Bangkok, a high-rise building collapsed due to the earthquake, with rescue teams searching for those trapped under the rubble. As a result, 117 people are missing, and 5 have been confirmed dead.

A powerful earthquake struck Southeast Asia on Friday, causing a construction site collapse in Bangkok and several buildings to crumble in Myanmar’s Mandalay, resulting in at least 20 deaths. Additionally, an old bridge over the Irrawaddy River collapsed, and many residential buildings were destroyed, trapping numerous people under the debris. Mandalay Airport and a monastery in Taunggyi suffered severe damage. Reports indicate a fire at Mandalay University, with concerns of casualties. In Bangkok, one body was recovered from the rubble of the collapsed building, while several workers were rescued alive. Authorities have declared a state of emergency in six regions of Myanmar and Bangkok. The earthquake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, caused significant structural damage across Bangkok, including the collapse of a 30-story under-construction skyscraper in the city’s north.

Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh’s camps are undergoing military training in Myanmar’s jungles, preparing for a return to their homeland.

According to British newspaper The Independent, Rohingya fighters are frequently relocating training camps to avoid detection. Commanders claim they are preparing to fight both Myanmar’s military junta and rival rebel groups.

One trainee, Mohammad Ayas, stated: “I am ready to fight for our rights, freedom, and homeland, no matter the cost.” Reports suggest that over 1,000 Rohingya youth have already received training.

At least 27 people were killed and 30 injured in an airstrike by Myanmar’s military junta in Mandalay province on Friday night. The attack occurred at 3:00 AM in the Let Pan Hlya village of Singu township, around 65 kilometers from Mandalay. A spokesperson from the Mandalay People’s Defense Force, which is fighting the junta, confirmed the deaths. The airstrike is part of the ongoing armed rebellion that began following the military coup in 2021, which led to the ousting of the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.

An Argentine court has issued arrest warrants against Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity against the Rohingya. Myanmar has criticized the ruling. The case was filed by a Rohingya advocacy group in Argentina, and junta spokesperson Min Tun dismissed the decision, urging Argentina to first address its own judicial vacancies before interfering in Myanmar’s affairs.

Rebel fighters led by the National Liberation Army (KNLA) have captured a key military base in Myanmar’s Mon State, killing several junta soldiers in the process. The People’s Defense Force (PDF), Bamar People’s Liberation Army (BPLA), and Force for Federal Democracy (FFD) participated in the operation. The capture followed intense fighting over a month, despite challenges from junta airstrikes. 29 junta soldiers were arrested, and one KNLA fighter and one FFD soldier lost their lives during the battle.