The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday has risen to over one thousand, with 2,376 injured, according to official media reports.

The quake measured 7.7 on the Richter scale, causing widespread destruction, including the collapse of buildings, the destruction of roads and bridges, and the bursting of a dam.

Relief teams face significant challenges in reaching affected areas due to security complications stemming from ongoing conflict in the country.

The earthquake occurred near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, and was followed by more than 50 aftershocks, the strongest of which reached 6.4 on the Richter scale.