THE DEATH TOLL from the earthquake which hit Myanmar has risen to more than 1,700 as more bodies have been pulled from the rubble, according to the country’s military-led government.

Relief efforts have been hampered by buckled roads, downed bridges, spotty communications and the challenges of operating in a country engaged in a civil war.

Government spokesperson Major General Zaw Min Tun told state-run broadcaster MRTV that another 3,400 have been injured and more than 300 were missing.

The 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit at midday on Friday, causing widespread damage, including in the capital Naypitaw and the second largest city, Mandalay.

The earthquake, whose epicentre was near Mandalay, brought down scores of buildings and damaged other infrastructure like the city’s airport.

In neighbouring Thailand, the earthquake rocked much of the country and killed at least 18 people, many at a construction site in Bangkok where a partially built high-rise collapsed.