A powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck central Myanmar, sending tremors across neighboring Thailand and southwest China. The quake, which occurred at a depth of 10km (16 miles), was centered 16km (10 miles) northwest of Sagaing, near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city.
The devastating earthquake caused extensive destruction, with buildings collapsing in at least five cities and towns. A railway bridge and a road bridge on the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway were also severely damaged. In the capital city, roads reportedly buckled due to the impact of the tremor, and videos surfaced showing a rooftop pool in Bangkok overflowing as buildings swayed.
The disaster has left hundreds feared dead, with the most alarming incident being the collapse of an unfinished high-rise building in Bangkok, Thailand, hundreds of miles from the epicenter.
Eighty-one construction workers remain missing under the rubble, while Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt confirmed three fatalities at the site. Authorities warn of potential aftershocks but urge the public to remain calm.
Myanmar’s ruling military has declared a state of emergency in multiple regions as rescue and relief efforts intensify. Damage assessment and search operations are underway, but the full extent of the disaster remains uncertain.
Authorities in Myanmar and Thailand continue to monitor the situation closely, with emergency teams working to locate and assist victims.
