Desk:A massive earthquake in Myanmar has raised concerns of significant loss of life. In addition, buildings in Thailand have collapsed, trapping a large number of people under the rubble. According to the latest information, 20 people have been confirmed dead, and hundreds are missing, prompting search operations. The first tremor struck Myanmar at 11:52 AM Indian Standard Time, followed by another at 12:00 PM. Both earthquakes had a magnitude of over 7 on the Richter scale, which is considered destructive. The initial quake had a magnitude of 7.2, while the second one intensified to 7.7.
The tremors rocked the entire country, causing tall buildings to collapse in an instant. In Mandalay, a mosque collapsed, killing at least 10 people. Additionally, a fire broke out in a university following the quake. The US Geological Survey reported that the earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.7 on the Richter scale, struck 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar, at a depth of 10 kilometers. The tremors caused significant damage to structures, including the Mandalay Palace Fort, and many buildings in the Mandalay region were reduced to rubble. Roads connecting Mandalay and Yangon were also damaged or blocked, disrupting transportation.
Shin Hua reporters in Yangon reported that the tremors were felt in the capital Nay Pyi Taw and the largest city, Yangon. Several schools and office buildings in Nay Pyi Taw collapsed. The Myanmar Fire Services Department has launched a rescue operation. Following the earthquake, strong tremors were felt in Vientiane, Laos; Bangkok, Thailand; and Hanoi, Vietnam. Thailand’s Prime Minister, Phaetongtarn Shinawatra, declared a state of emergency in Bangkok.
In Bangkok, a 30-story building under construction collapsed, resulting in one death and 43 people being reported missing. In Vientiane, buildings taller than three stories experienced significant shaking. Residents of high-rise buildings in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City also felt the tremors. Rescue operations are underway in Myanmar, with an emergency declared in Yangon. The public has been restricted from leaving, and only rescue teams are active. The Thai army has been called in to assist in transporting the injured to hospitals and support other relief efforts.