Friday's magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Myanmar released energy equivalent to more than 300 atomic bomb explosions, a geologist told CNN, warning that aftershocks are likely to continue in the region.

“The force released by such an earthquake is equal to about 334 atomic bombs,” geologist Jess Phoenix told CNN.

She also warned that aftershocks could continue for months as the Indian tectonic plate continues to crash into the Eurasian plate beneath Myanmar.

Phoenix added that the devastation in Myanmar will only be exacerbated by the country's civil war.

The conflict coupled with the communication blackout is preventing the outside world from understanding the true effects of the earthquake.

According to local authorities, more than 1,000 people have died in Myanmar. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates the death toll could exceed 10,000, according to its earlier projections.