A powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 in magnitude struck central Myanmar on Friday at 12.50 pm local time, followed by a 6.8-magnitude aftershock.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the epicentre was located 16km northwest of Sagaing at a depth of 10km. No casualties have been reported so far, and no tsunami warning has been issued.
Tremors from the earthquake were felt in neighbouring countries, including northern Thailand. In Bangkok, metro and rail services were temporarily suspended as a precaution.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra called an urgent meeting to assess the situation and declared a state of emergency in the capital.
China’s Yunnan province also experienced strong tremors. The China Earthquake Networks Center recorded the quake at a magnitude of 7.9. Mild tremors were reported in Kolkata and parts of Manipur in India.
Videos shared on social media captured buildings shaking in Bangkok, with residents fleeing to the streets in panic. Footage showed water cascading from an infinity pool, while another clip depicted a residential pool’s water churning violently.
In Bangkok’s Chatuchak neighbourhood, an under-construction skyscraper collapsed, trapping 43 workers beneath the rubble, according to reports.
In Myanmar, structural damage was reported, including the collapse of an old bridge over the Irrawaddy River and several residential buildings. Images from Mandalay, located approximately 24km from Sagaing, showed destruction and suggested possible entrapments.
The airport in Mandalay and a monastery near Taunggyi in Shan State also suffered damage.
Myanmar is located along the Sagaing Fault, making earthquakes a common occurrence. Between 1930 and 1956, six earthquakes with magnitudes exceeding 7.0 struck the region. In 2016, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in the ancient city of Bagan killed three people and caused extensive damage to temples and historical sites.
The country’s medical infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, remains fragile. Authorities are continuing to assess the damage and monitor the situation.
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