7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Myanmar
A massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread destruction and panic across the region. The quake, centered near Mandalay, was followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock, toppling buildings and leading to multiple casualties. Myanmar’s ruling military have declared a state of emergency in several regions, while rescue efforts have been launched in cities like Taungoo, where a mosque collapse killed at least three people. Reports also confirmed a hotel in Aung Ban crumbled, leaving two dead and several trapped.
The tremors were felt as far as Thailand, where Bangkok was declared a disaster area after a skyscraper under construction collapsed, killing at least one person and trapping dozens under the rubble. Panic swept through the capital as people fled from buildings, with witnesses describing water cascading from a rooftop pool and offices swaying for minutes. In Naypyidaw, Myanmar’s capital, a major hospital was overwhelmed with casualties, with patients being treated outside due to the sheer volume of injuries.
The impact extended beyond Myanmar and Thailand, with tremors reported in China’s Yunnan province, Cambodia, India, and Bangladesh. Myanmar, already struggling with civil unrest, faces additional challenges in managing relief efforts. Authorities have begun search-and-rescue operations, while international agencies monitor the unfolding crisis.
