Guwahati, March 28: A massive earthquake of magnitude 7.7 hit central Myanmar on Friday, with the tremors felt in neighbouring countries of Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India and China. The initial quake was followed by a slightly milder but strong 6.4 magnitude quake.
The epicentre of the powerful quake was the city of Sagaing, about 17 kms from Mandalay – Myanmar’s second-largest city. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake hit at around 11.50 am, at a shallow depth of 10 km.
The quake inflicted heavy damage to buildings, especially high-rise buildings, and deaths of atleast 5 people have been confirmed in Myanmar. Three people died after a mosque partially collapsed. The iconic Ava Bridge in Myanmar’s Mandalay also crumbled into the Irrawaddy River.
Social media posts showed collapsed buildings and debris strewn across the streets of Myanmar capital Nay Pyi Taw with several roads developing cracks and Mandalay. The military government declared a state of emergency in six regions: Sagaing, Mandalay, Bago, Magway, eastern Shan State, and the capital, Naypyidaw. Rescue operations are underway, with authorities appealing for international humanitarian assistance.
Such was the impact of the earthquake that a high-rise collapsed in Chatuchak district in Bangkok, around 900 km away, killing two labourers. Around 30 others are still trapped. The tremors forced people to run out of their homes, and sent water sloshing out of pools from high-rises. The tremors also caused a 30-storey government office skyscraper under construction to collapse, trapping 43 workers, according to police and medical officials. Bangkok emergency responders said 7 people have been rescued and two have died.
In China’s Yunnan province, bordering Myanmar, strong tremors damaged houses and injured residents in the city of Ruili.
Vietnam also experienced tremors in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, leading to building evacuations.
In India, tremors were felt in the Delhi National Capital Region around 11:50 am IST. Mild tremors were also felt in Kolkata and Imphal, with residents in Kolkata reporting slight swaying of wall hangings. No damage to property or loss of life in the city. In Imphal, tremors caused panic, particularly in Thangal Bazar, where many old multi-storey buildings are located.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the devastating earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand, and said India stands ready to offer all possible assistance to the two countries. Taking to X, Narendra Modi said, “Concerned by the situation in the wake of the Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Praying for the safety and wellbeing of everyone.”
“India stands ready to offer all possible assistance. In this regard, asked our authorities to be on standby. Also asked the MEA to remain in touch with the Governments of Myanmar and Thailand,” he said.
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