A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, causing widespread damage and claiming at least 20 lives in the country, with three reported dead in Thailand. The quake hit near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, triggering a magnitude 6.4 aftershock. Buildings were left in ruins and injured individuals were rushed to hospitals, where resources were overwhelmed.
Tragedy struck as a mother lost her 3-year-old daughter in the earthquake, highlighting the human toll of the disaster. The quake led to collapsing bridges and buildings across Myanmar, including in the capital Naypyidaw. The nation has a history of seismic activity, with a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in 2011 claiming over 70 lives.
The extent of the damage and casualties was difficult to assess due to disrupted communication lines. In neighboring Thailand, fear of aftershocks led to the evacuation of tall buildings, with videos showing the collapse of a 30-story skyscraper in Bangkok. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared an emergency in the city amid the chaos.
The earthquake’s impact was felt in Bangladesh and Vietnam, causing panic but no immediate reports of damage in those countries. International humanitarian groups were working to assess the situation in the affected regions, grappling with the aftermath of the disaster amid ongoing challenges in Myanmar. The earthquake underscored the vulnerability of Southeast Asia to natural disasters and the need for robust emergency preparedness measures.
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