The central region of Myanmar was struck by two consecutive earthquakes measuring 7.7 and 6.4 in magnitude, leading to at least 15 fatalities. Images shared on social media highlighted the intensity of the earthquake. Tremors felt in China and Thailand caused people to rush into the streets in panic. The U.S. Geological Survey stated that it’s likely that thousands may have perished. The military junta declared a state of emergency in many areas and made a call for blood donations. In Myanmar, two major earthquakes of 7.7 and 6.4 magnitudes occurred.
The earthquake was felt in Bangladesh, India, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, and China.
Following a partial collapse of a mosque in Myanmar, it was reported that at least three individuals perished, with the total death toll in the country being at least 15.
In Thailand, one person was reported dead due to the collapse of a building under construction.
For a video of the earthquake moment, click here. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), two consecutive tremors of 7.7 and 6.4 magnitudes were recorded about 16 kilometers northwest of the Sagaing region, north of the capital city Nepido in Myanmar.
Officials in Myanmar stated, “About 12 minutes after the initial earthquake, a relatively powerful earthquake of 6.4 magnitude occurred about 18 kilometers south of Sagaing. Aftershocks may continue to occur, so be cautious.”
GRAPH: EARTHQUAKE OCCURRED HERECracks in a road caused by the earthquake were visible in Nepido, the capital of Myanmar.
Local sources reported a bridge over the Irrawaddy River connecting Ava and Sagaing regions in Myanmar had collapsed.
Rescue teams were dispatched to the earthquake-stricken area.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) announced difficulties in accessing some areas due to disrupted power and network lines. It was reported that a mosque collapsed in the town of Taungnoo in Myanmar’s Bago region.
One individual, speaking to Reuters, stated, “We were praying as the tremors began. Three people died at the scene.”
Taking into account the earthquake’s magnitude, the U.S. Geological Survey mentioned the likelihood of thousands of fatalities in Myanmar.
The military junta made a call for blood donations. Myanmar’s shadow Foreign Minister mentioned a possibility of further casualties in Mandalay, near the epicenter of the earthquake.
Stating, “Communication is a serious issue, access is limited, and the internet is restricted,” the minister added, “The situation is very serious, and urgent international humanitarian and technical aid is needed.”
The shadow minister confirmed at least 12 fatalities from the earthquake in Myanmar so far.
They added that rebel groups opposing the military junta would be deployed to provide humanitarian aid. Following the earthquake in central Myanmar, a section of the emergency room in a hospital in the capital city suffered severe damage.
The European Union expressed readiness to provide support following the earthquake affecting Myanmar and Thailand.
France also announced readiness to provide support and they evacuated diplomatic buildings in the capital city of Thailand. After the powerful earthquake, the Thai Prime Minister held an emergency meeting.
Police and health officials in Bangkok mentioned that a 30-story skyscraper being constructed for government offices had collapsed, trapping 43 workers.
It was reported that 42 people were rescued while 1 person lost their life.
In the metropolis of Bangkok, home to over 17 million people, alarm systems triggered and residents were evacuated from apartments and hotels onto the streets via staircases.
The Thai stock exchange announced a complete halt in activities following the earthquake hitting the center of Myanmar. A spokesperson from the Myanmar Fire Services Department told Reuters, “We have commenced search operations and are going around Yangon inspecting for casualties and damages. So far, we do not have any information.”
The ruling military regime in Myanmar declared a state of emergency in multiple regions.
In a statement via the Telegram messaging application, it was mentioned that the government would swiftly investigate the situation and provide humanitarian aid as well as carry out rescue operations. It was noted that the earthquake caused significant damage to numerous high-rise buildings in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand.
Governor Chadchart Sittipunt mentioned that the exact number of affected buildings was still unknown and assessments were ongoing.
He urged people to exercise caution. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand reported that all flights in Bangkok were operating as usual.
Geologist Prof. Dr. Okan Tüysüz provided commentary on the earthquake to NTV. Tüysüz emphasized the necessity of planning for earthquakes and the identification of assembly areas.
He noted the abundance of resources available online for reference.