Myanmar’s center was struck by back-to-back earthquakes measuring 7.7 and 6.4 in magnitude, resulting in at least 15 deaths. Images shared on social media vividly displayed the intensity of the earthquake. The tremors were felt in China and Thailand, causing people to panic and rush to the streets. The U.S. Geological Survey warned that thousands of people might have died. The junta regime declared a state of emergency in many regions. Here are the initial images from the powerful earthquake…Two major earthquakes of 7.7 and 6.4 magnitudes hit Myanmar.
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 data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), two consecutive earthquakes measuring 7.7 and 6.4 in magnitude were recorded northwest of Sagaing, near the capital city of Naypyidaw in Myanmar.
Officials in Myanmar stated, “Approximately 12 minutes after the first earthquake, a relatively strong magnitude 6.4 earthquake occurred about 18 kilometers south of Sagaing. Aftershocks may continue, so stay cautious.”
GRAPH: AREA WHERE THE EARTHQUAKE OCCURREDVisible cracks appeared on a road in Naypyidaw, the capital of Myanmar, due to the earthquake.
According to local sources, a bridge over the Irrawaddy River connecting the Ava and Sagaing regions in Myanmar collapsed.
Search and rescue teams were dispatched to the earthquake-stricken areas. It was reported that a mosque collapsed in the town of Taungoo in the Bago region of Myanmar.
One person told Reuters, “We were praying when the tremor began. Three people died at the scene.”
Taking into account the magnitude of the earthquake, the USGS mentioned that thousands might have died in Myanmar due to the disaster. Following the earthquake in central Myanmar, a part of the emergency room at a hospital in the capital suffered severe damage.
The Prime Minister of Thailand held an emergency meeting after the powerful earthquake.
Police and health officials stated that a 30-story skyscraper under construction in Bangkok collapsed, trapping 43 workers.
It was reported that 42 people were rescued, while 1 person lost their life. In Bangkok, the metropolis where more than 17 million people reside, alarm systems were activated, evacuating residents from apartment buildings and hotels to the streets via stairs.
The Thai stock exchange announced a complete suspension of activities following the earthquake that hit the center of Myanmar. A spokesperson from the Myanmar Fire Services Department told Reuters, “We have initiated search efforts and are touring around Yangon to check for any casualties and damages. So far, we have no information.”
The ruling military in Myanmar declared a state of emergency in many regions.
A statement made via the Telegram messaging application mentioned that the government would swiftly investigate the situation, provide humanitarian aid, and carry out rescue operations. It was reported that the earthquake in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, caused significant damage to many tall buildings.
Governor Chadchart Sittipunt mentioned that the number of affected buildings was not yet known, and assessments were ongoing.
He urged people to be cautious. The Thai civil aviation department reported that all flights in Bangkok were operating normally.
Geologist Prof. Dr. Okan Tüysüz provided his insights on the earthquake to NTV. Tüysüz highlighted the importance of planning for earthquakes, emphasizing the need to designate gathering points.
He mentioned the availability of numerous resources online that could be utilized for this purpose.