Myanmar’s junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, issued an international appeal for assistance on Friday, inviting “every country, every organization” to help. The earthquake has claimed at least 694 lives and injured 1,670 people, according to the latest figures.

The fact that Myanmar’s military regime—isolated since the February 2021 coup—has called for foreign aid raises fears of a large-scale disaster.

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar confirmed that a C-130 transport aircraft took off for Myanmar, carrying hygiene kits, blankets, food, and other essential supplies. “A search and rescue team, as well as a medical team, are also on board,” he added, pledging continued support.

The earthquake, which struck with a shallow depth, hit northwest of the city of Sagaing at 08:20 Greek time (12:50 in Myanmar, 13:20 in Thailand). A 6.7-magnitude aftershock followed minutes later.

The tremors caused chaos and destruction across Myanmar, collapsing homes, buildings, bridges, and places of worship in a country already exhausted by civil conflict since the junta’s coup.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), this is Myanmar’s most powerful earthquake in over 100 years. The quake was felt up to 1,000 kilometers from the epicenter, reaching neighboring Thailand, where eight fatalities have been reported.