A powerful earthquake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, has struck Myanmar and nearby areas. The tremors were so strong that they were felt in several parts of India, especially in northeastern states like Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Nagaland. In Myanmar’s Mandalay region, the historic Ava Bridge collapsed into the Irrawaddy River due to the intense shaking.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), another earthquake of magnitude 6.9 hit Myanmar at a depth of 10 km, with its epicenter near Mandalay. As of now, there are no confirmed reports of casualties or severe damage in Myanmar.
The impact of the earthquake was also felt in Bangkok, Thailand. Hundreds of people rushed out of buildings in fear as the tremors shook the city. Eyewitnesses reported seeing water splashing out of swimming pools due to the quake’s force. Additionally, a 6.2 magnitude tremor was recorded in Bangkok, adding to the widespread panic across the region.
USGS says up to 13 million people may have felt strong to severe shaking from the Myanmar earthquake.
Earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar, causes mosque collapse, leaving at least 20 dead – local reports.
Myanmar Junta Seeks Urgent Aid After Devastating 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake
A massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, prompting the ruling junta to declare a state of emergency in six regions—Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, northeastern Shan State, Naypyidaw, and Bago. The rare move highlights the severity of the disaster, as the military government, which usually avoids seeking external help, has now appealed for urgent international humanitarian aid.
Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing was seen visiting a hospital in Naypyidaw where injured people were being treated. Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun emphasized the immediate need for global assistance and urged blood donations for patients in Mandalay, Naypyidaw, and Sagaing. While the exact casualty figures remain unknown, the government’s plea for aid suggests significant damage and loss.
Update
AFP reports that the death toll from Myanmar’s earthquake has surpassed 1,000, citing the country’s junta regime.
