At Least 10 Lives Lost in Major Earthquake in Myanmar
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Synopsis
On March 28, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 struck Myanmar, leading to the tragic collapse of a mosque in Mandalay. At least 10 people have been confirmed dead, with numerous buildings damaged and a state of emergency declared across six regions.
Key Takeaways
- 10 fatalities reported in Mandalay.
- Earthquake magnitude was 7.7.
- Significant damage to structures including Mandalay Palace.
- Emergency operations initiated by Myanmar authorities.
- Tremors felt in neighboring countries including Thailand and Laos.
Yangon, March 28 (NationPress) A tragic incident occurred in Mandalay where at least 10 individuals lost their lives due to the collapse of a mosque following a powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday, as reported by the local media outlet Khit Thit.
The earthquake, registering a magnitude of 7.7, hit 16 km NNW of Sagaing, Myanmar earlier in the day, as reported by the US Geological Survey.
The epicenter was located at a depth of 10.0 km, specifically at 22.01 degrees north latitude and 95.92 degrees east longitude.
The quake resulted in significant damage to several structures, including the historic Mandalay Palace.
Numerous buildings in the Mandalay Region collapsed, and several roads connecting Mandalay and Yangon were either damaged or obstructed, causing disruptions in transportation.
Reporters from Xinhua in Yangon noted that the tremors were strongly felt in the capital city of Nay Pyi Taw and the largest urban area, Yangon. Some educational institutions and commercial buildings in Nay Pyi Taw were also reported to have suffered structural failures.
The Myanmar Fire Service Department confirmed that a rescue operation is currently underway in response to the earthquake.
The Myanmar National Disaster Management Committee has declared a state of emergency across six regions of the country.
The government of Myanmar will swiftly undertake damage assessments and emergency relief operations in the affected regions, ensuring the delivery of essential disaster relief and humanitarian support, as stated by the State Administration Council.
Strong tremors were also reported in Vientiane (the capital of Laos), Bangkok (the capital of Thailand), and Hanoi (the capital of Vietnam).
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced a state of emergency in Bangkok.
A construction site for a 30-story building in the Thai capital collapsed, leading to the deaths of three individuals. An earlier report indicated that 43 people are missing as a result of the collapse.
In Vientiane, residents in buildings taller than three stories experienced noticeable shaking, and those in high-rise structures felt intense swaying.
In both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, residents in high-rise buildings reported noticeable shaking while inside their homes.
