At least 144 people were killed and hundreds are injured in Myanmar following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake, Myanmar’s Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing said.
“A powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck near Sagaing, Myanmar, at approximately 12:50 PM today. The epicenter was located 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing, at a depth of 10 kilometers,” according to the Myanmar Junta government’s statement.
Approximately 12 minutes after the initial quake, a significant aftershock of 6.4 occurred, centered about 18 kilometers south of Sagaing, near the Innwa Bridge airport. The earthquakes have caused extensive damage across the Sagaing, Mandalay Regions and surrounding towns.
Mandalay is Myanmar’s second-largest city with a population of about 1.5 million people, and about 100km north of the capital Nay Pyi Taw.
The Myanmar government has convened an emergency meeting within hours of the quake, directing relevant ministries to initiate immediate relief efforts.
“Authorities are currently compiling reports on casualties and damage while conducting search and rescue operations, relocation, efforts, and reconstruction activities,” said the government.
The Myanmar government urged local civil society organizations and the public to “support one another during this challenging time.”
Prime Minister Mahn Winn Khaing Thann took to X, stating, “Today’s earthquake was heartbreaking to witness. We mourn, we stand together, and we will rebuild. Our commitment to helping our people remains unwavering through every possible means. Every helping hand, every voice, and every action matters.”
A video shows water cascading from a rooftop pool as a high-rise building in Bangkok sways during the earthquake.
The earthquake, classified as a strike-slip event, was felt across a wide region, including Bangladesh, India, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, and China.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared Bangkok an emergency zone following a powerful earthquake in Myanmar that triggered a building collapse in Bangkok.
A partially constructed building collapsed in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, with many trapped, resulting in the deaths of several construction workers.
Meanwhile, the US Geological Survey (USGS) warned that liquefaction could become a significant issue in Myanmar, causing further damage to buildings and infrastructure.
“Due to local factors and model limitations, ground failure may still occur when alert levels indicate little or no hazard,” they said.
