Two consecutive earthquakes of magnitudes 7.7 and 6.4 struck the center of Myanmar, resulting in at least 15 deaths. The images shared on social media revealed the severity of the earthquake. People rushed panic-stricken onto the streets as the tremors, also felt in China and Thailand, shook the ground. The U.S. Geological Survey indicated that the probable death toll could be in thousands. The junta government declared a state of emergency in various regions. Here are the initial scenes from the powerful earthquake in Myanmar…Two major seismic events of 7.7 and 6.4 magnitudes occurred in Myanmar.
The earthquake was felt in Bangladesh, India, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, and China.
After a mosque partially collapsed during the earthquake in Myanmar, at least three people were reported dead, with the total death toll in the country at least 15.
It was reported that one person died in Thailand due to a building collapse during the earthquake.
Click here for a video of the earthquake moment.According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), two consecutive tremors with magnitudes of 7.7 and 6.4 were recorded about 16 kilometers northwest of the Sagaing region, north of Myanmar’s capital Nepido.
Myanmar officials stated, “Roughly 12 minutes after the initial earthquake, a relatively strong 6.4 magnitude tremor struck approximately 18 kilometers south of Sagaing. Aftershocks may continue to occur, so be cautious” reported.
GRAPH: THE REGION WHERE THE EARTHQUAKE OCCURRED Deformities due to the earthquake were observed on a road in Nepido, Myanmar’s capital.
According to local sources, a bridge over the Irrawaddy River connecting Myanmar’s Ava and Sagaing regions collapsed.
Search and rescue teams have been dispatched to the earthquake zone. It was reported that a mosque collapsed in the town of Taungnoo in Myanmar’s Bago region.
One of the individuals speaking to Reuters said, “We were praying when the tremor started. Three people died at the scene.”
Considering the magnitude of the earthquake, the U.S. Geological Survey stated that thousands of people in Myanmar were likely to die. Following the earthquake in the central part of Myanmar, a section of the emergency department in a hospital in the capital was seriously damaged.
Thai Prime Minister convened an emergency meeting following the powerful earthquake.
Police and health officials stated that a 30-story skyscraper under construction collapsed in Bangkok, leaving 43 workers trapped.
It was reported that 42 people were rescued, while one person lost their life. More than 17 million people live in the metropolitan area of Bangkok, where alarm systems were activated, leading residents to be evacuated from apartment buildings and hotels using stairs to reach the streets.
Thailand’s stock exchange announced that operations came to a complete halt following the earthquake that hit the center of Myanmar.The Myanmar Fire Brigade Department official told Reuters, “We have started search and rescue operations, and we are roaming around Yangon to check for casualties and damages. So far, we do not have any information.”
The ruling military in Myanmar declared a state of emergency in various regions.
In a statement made through the Telegram messaging application, it was mentioned, “The government will swiftly investigate the situation, provide humanitarian aid, and carry out rescue operations.” It was reported that the earthquake caused significant damage to numerous high-rise buildings in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand.
Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that the number of damaged buildings is still unknown, and assessments are ongoing.
He urged people to be cautious. Thailand’s Civil Aviation Department reported that all flights in Bangkok were continuing as usual.
Geologist Prof. Dr. Okan Tüysüz provided insights on the earthquake to NTV. Tüysüz emphasized the importance of planning for earthquakes and the need to designate gathering points.
He noted that there are many online resources available for reference and benefit.