A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the border region between China and Myanmar early Monday, jolting millions from their sleep and causing extensive damage across multiple communities, according to seismic experts.

The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of approximately 10 kilometers, a factor that significantly increased its surface impact. The epicenter was located in the mountainous area between Yunnan Province in China and Myanmar’s Shan State, a region known for seismic activity.

Residents in affected cities reported intense shaking that shattered windows and forced people to flee buildings in the early morning darkness. In both countries, emergency services were immediately mobilized as authorities worked to assess structural damage and restore essential services.

Power and communication outages were reported in several towns, prompting hospitals to operate on backup generators. Medical teams treated hundreds of injured individuals, many suffering fractures and head injuries caused by falling debris and damaged infrastructure.

Officials confirmed dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries, noting that numbers may rise as rescue teams reach remote and mountainous areas. In Myanmar, limited medical supplies have added pressure to rural clinics responding to the crisis.

Search-and-rescue crews are using specialized equipment, trained dogs, and aerial drones to locate survivors beneath collapsed buildings. Continued aftershocks and landslides have complicated operations, forcing responders to proceed with caution.

Despite the challenges, authorities remain focused on relief efforts and have urged residents to avoid damaged structures while assessments continue. The earthquake stands as one of the most significant seismic events to impact the region in decades.