A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), causing significant damage in the capital Naypyidaw and shaking regions in China and Thailand.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located 16 kilometres northwest of Sagaing city, at a depth of 10 kilometres, around 12:50 pm local time (0620 GMT), as reported by the USGS.
In Bangkok, some metro and light rail services were halted due to the tremors. AFP reporters in Naypyidaw reported that the force of the earthquake caused roads to buckle and chunks of ceilings to fall from buildings. In northern Thailand, including the capital Bangkok, people fled their buildings as they shook from the tremors.
Duangjai, a resident of Chiang Mai, a popular northern tourist city, told AFP, “I heard it and was sleeping in the house, I ran as far as I could in my pyjamas out of the building.”
Tremors were also felt in China’s southwestern Yunnan province, where Beijing’s quake agency reported the jolt measuring 7.9 in magnitude.
Myanmar, located near the Sagaing Fault, experiences regular earthquakes, including six strong quakes of magnitude 7.0 or higher between 1930 and 1956, according to the USGS.
In 2016, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar’s ancient capital, Bagan, resulted in three deaths and significant damage, including the destruction of temple spires and walls at the popular tourist destination.
The country’s rural areas, where the medical system is under strain, may face challenges in providing aid and assistance to those affected.
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