Two earthquakes of 7.7 and 6.4 magnitudes struck the center of Myanmar, causing at least 15 fatalities. Images shared on social media vividly showed the intensity of the earthquake. The tremors, also felt in China and Thailand, led people to rush in panic onto the streets. The U.S. Geological Survey warned that the likelihood of thousands of casualties was significant. Here are the first images from the powerful earthquake incident in Myanmar: consecutive earthquakes of magnitudes 7.7 and 6.4.
The earthquake was felt in Bangladesh, India, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, and China.
Following a partial collapse of a mosque due to the earthquake in Myanmar, at least three people were reported dead, with the death toll in the country reaching at least 15.
In Thailand, one person was reported dead due to the collapse of a building under construction.
Click HERE for a video of the earthquake moment. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data, two consecutive earthquakes of magnitudes 7.7 and 6.4 were recorded around 16 kilometers northwest of the Sagaing region in the north of Myanmar’s capital, Naypyidaw.
Myanmar officials stated, “Approximately 12 minutes after the first earthquake, a relatively strong earthquake of magnitude 6.4 occurred about 18 kilometers south of Sagaing. Aftershocks may continue to occur, stay cautious.”
The earthquake in Myanmar caused fissures on a road in Naypyidaw.
Local sources reported the collapse of a bridge connecting Myanmar’s Ava and Sagaing regions over the Irrawaddy River.
Rescue teams were dispatched to the earthquake-stricken area. It was reported that a mosque collapsed in the town of Taungoo, Bago region of Myanmar.
One individual mentioned, “We were praying when the tremor started. Three people died at the scene.”
Considering the magnitude of the earthquake, the U.S. Geological Survey mentioned the probable occurrence of thousands of casualties in Myanmar.
Following the earthquake in central Myanmar, a section of an emergency service department of a hospital in Naypyidaw suffered significant damage.
Thailand’s Prime Minister held an emergency meeting after the strong earthquake.
Police and healthcare workers mentioned that a 30-story skyscraper being built for government offices in Bangkok collapsed, trapping 43 workers.
42 individuals were rescued, and one person lost their life. In the metropolis of Bangkok, where more than 17 million people reside, alarm systems were activated, evacuating residents from buildings through staircases onto the streets.
The Thailand stock exchange announced a complete halt in operations after the earthquake struck Myanmar’s center.
A spokesperson from the Myanmar Fire Services Department told Reuters, “We have begun search operations and are assessing for casualties and damages by touring around Yangon. So far, we do not have any information.”
The earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, caused substantial damage in numerous high-rise buildings, as reported.
Governor Chadchart Sittipunt mentioned that the number of damaged buildings was yet unknown, and assessments were ongoing.
He urged people to be cautious. The Thai Civil Aviation Department confirmed that all flights in Bangkok were operating normally.
Geologist Professor Dr. Okan Tüysüz provided commentary on the earthquake to NTV. Tüysüz emphasized the importance of planning for earthquakes and the necessity to identify assembly points.
He noted the availability of numerous online resources that could be utilized for earthquake preparedness.