The UK Government has announced a commitment of up to £10 million in humanitarian aid to Myanmar following a catastrophic earthquake that has claimed more than 1,000 lives.

The funding is intended to bolster the humanitarian response in the regions most profoundly affected by the earthquake, specifically targeting the provision of food, clean water, medical supplies, and shelter, as outlined by the Foreign Office.

The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.7, struck Myanmar at midday local time on Friday.

The country’s military-led government reported that the disaster has resulted in 1,000 confirmed fatalities and 2,376 injuries.

The epicentre of the earthquake was located near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, leading to significant structural damage as buildings collapsed in various locations.

In addition to the impact within Myanmar, the tremors were also felt across the border in Thailand, where at least six individuals lost their lives, and 26 others were injured due to incidents at three construction sites, one of which saw a partially constructed high-rise building in Bangkok fall down.

Thai authorities reported that 47 people remain unaccounted for as of Saturday.

Baroness Jennifer Chapman, the minister of state for development, commented, "The UK is sending immediate and life-saving support to the people of Myanmar following the devastating earthquake." She further emphasized that local partners funded by the UK are already mobilizing efforts to address the humanitarian crisis.

The Foreign Office has confirmed that it is also providing support to British nationals affected by the disaster in both Myanmar and Thailand.

This response highlights the broader international humanitarian efforts in the wake of this natural disaster.