A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck early Monday morning, devastating regions across southern China, northern Thailand, and Myanmar. The quake’s epicenter was near the mountainous border of Yunnan Province and Myanmar, hitting at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Initial reports confirm dozens dead, hundreds injured, and many trapped under rubble. Rescue teams are working urgently to locate survivors, though widespread destruction, blocked roads, and power outages are severely hindering efforts. Hospitals are overwhelmed but continuing to treat the wounded.

Cities like Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai in northern Thailand experienced intense shaking, prompting mass evacuations. Emergency shelters and medical services have been deployed, though ongoing aftershocks and damaged infrastructure are making coordination difficult.

Governments of China, Thailand, and Myanmar have pledged full support for relief efforts. The disaster underscores the region’s vulnerability to earthquakes and highlights the critical need for joint preparedness and rapid response in the face of natural calamities.