Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.7 and 6.4 in magnitude, struck Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread damage and triggering strong tremors as far as Bangkok, Thailand. The epicentre was located near Sagaing, with the shocks felt across the region.
Reports indicate that the iconic Ava Bridge in Mandalay collapsed into the Irrawaddy River, while several buildings crumbled due to the force of the quakes. The impact was so severe that tremors were experienced nearly 900 kilometres away in Bangkok, where visuals shared on social media showed high-rise buildings swaying and water spilling from rooftop pools. Many residents fled their homes in panic.
According to preliminary assessments by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Germany’s GFZ Centre for Geosciences, the earthquakes occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles). Meanwhile, China’s earthquake monitoring agency reported a magnitude of 7.9, with tremors also felt in Yunnan province.
In Myanmar’s capital, Naypyidaw, roads were severely damaged, and debris fell from buildings due to the tremors’ intensity. In Bangkok, frightened residents evacuated high-rise buildings, and disruptions to metro and light rail services were reported. Emergency responders were dispatched to a construction site in the city’s Chatuchak district, where individuals were reportedly trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was on an official visit to Phuket at the time, announced she had returned to Bangkok to convene an emergency meeting in response to the disaster.
Myanmar’s Seismic History
Myanmar is located along the Sagaing Fault, a highly active seismic zone running north to south through the country. Historical data from the USGS indicates that six earthquakes of 7.0 magnitude or higher occurred in the region between 1930 and 1956. More recently, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck the ancient city of Bagan in 2016, killing three people and causing significant damage to its historic temples.
The country’s medical infrastructure remains fragile, particularly in rural areas, making disaster response efforts challenging. As rescue operations continue, authorities in Myanmar and neighbouring nations remain on high alert for potential aftershocks.
Are Any Other Countries Affected by the Earthquakes?
Aside from Myanmar, Thailand and China, some social media posts suggest that the tremors were felt in parts of Bangladesh, India and Laos as well. We advise travellers in these areas to proceed with caution.
In Short
- Earthquakes of magnitudes 7.7 and 6.4 struck Myanmar
- Iconic Ava Bridge, buildings in Myanmar’s Mandalay collapse
- Buildings evacuated in Bangkok, people rush out of malls
- Tremors were also felt in China, Bangladesh, India and Laos
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