A devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, causing widespread destruction and prompting the military government to declare a state of emergency in six regions. The quake’s epicenter was located 16km northwest of the city of Sagaing, at a depth of 10km.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake sent strong tremors that were felt as far as southwest China and Thailand. The impact was severe, with reports of roads buckling in the capital of Naypyidaw and an unfinished high-rise building collapsing in Bangkok, Thailand, leaving at least 81 construction workers missing.
A rescuer in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, described the damage as “enormous,” with casualties estimated to be in the hundreds. The city, which has a population of around 1.5 million people, was severely affected by the quake.
A second earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4 struck 12 minutes after the first, with its epicenter located 18km south of Sagaing. Residents in Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon, are worried about the potential for more aftershocks.
The earthquake has exacerbated the challenges faced by Myanmar, which has been in a state of political turmoil since the 2021 military coup. The country’s military government controls most media outlets, and internet use is restricted, making it difficult to access information.
Eyewitness accounts describe the panic and fear caused by the earthquake. recounted her experience: “I was very nervous, I was very panicked. Buildings in Bangkok are not engineered for earthquakes, so I think that’s why I think there’s going to be big damage.”..