Myanmar earthquake death toll may exceed one lakh

The death toll from Friday's 7.7 magnitude earthquake in central Myanmar may exceed 1,00,000, said experts.

There was a 36 percent probability that fatalities would reach more than a lakh and a 35 percent probability that they would range between 10,000 and 1 lakh, said the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The report also estimated a 33 percent chance that economic loss would exceed $100 billion, a 35 percent chance that it would range between $10 and $100 billion. It could even exceed Myanmar's gross domestic product (GDP).

The agency, which issued a ‘red alert’ for the fatalities and economic losses from the quake, said many casualties and extensive damage could occur, and a large-scale disaster is highly likely.

According to Myanmar's military government, as of Saturday, at least 1,002 people were killed and nearly 2,400 injured in Myanmar.

Besides, around 10 more deaths have been confirmed in Bangkok, according to the international media.