A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, causing extensive damage and killing at least 144 people, with the toll expected to rise.

The quake, centered near Mandalay, led to building collapses, a burst dam, and infrastructure destruction in a country already facing civil war and humanitarian crises.

In Thailand, six people died in Bangkok when a high-rise under construction collapsed.

Rescue efforts continue amid aftershocks, and international aid has begun arriving from China, Russia, India, and Malaysia, the Associated Press has reported.

The UN allocated $5 million for relief, but concerns remain about reaching affected areas due to conflict and damaged roads.

Written by B.C. Begley