Central Myanmar Hit by Earthquake, Thailand Feels Tremors Nearby

London – A powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 in magnitude has struck central Myanmar, with tremors felt across neighboring Thailand.

Strong shakes were also reported in south-west China.

The quake’s epicenter was located 16km (10 miles) north-west of Sagaing city, at a depth of 10 km, as per the US Geological Survey.

The US Geological Survey has issued a red alert regarding potential deaths and damages, suggesting that thousands of casualties are likely.

Just 12 minutes following the initial quake in Myanmar, another earthquake struck, according to the US Geological Survey.

This second quake registered a magnitude of 6.4.

Roads have been damaged, and numerous structures have collapsed.

Joe Freeman, a researcher focused on Myanmar, stated, “the full extent of the disaster in Myanmar may take time to uncover, especially with many media outlets restricted and internet access limited.”

Additionally, there has been ongoing conflict in Myanmar since the military coup in 2021.

Various humanitarian organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, are pressing the junta to permit humanitarian access and prevent worsening conditions for the populace.

In a rare move, the junta has requested assistance and declared a state of emergency.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen announced on Friday that the 27-nation bloc is ready to provide help following the devastating earthquake that affected Myanmar and Thailand.

Due to a funding freeze of USAID, a globally recognized US program for disaster and crisis assistance is currently unable to operate.

In Thailand, dramatic videos circulating on social media depict buildings swaying and water cascading from a rooftop pool in Bangkok.

A state of emergency has been declared in Bangkok, according to the Thai prime minister.

Thai rescuers are actively working to rescue 81 individuals trapped beneath the debris of a collapsed building in Bangkok.