7.7 Magnitude Quake Hits Myanmar, Tremors Felt in Thailand

Synopsis

On March 28, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, prompting aftershocks and tremors felt across Thailand and neighboring regions. While there were reports of damage, no casualties were confirmed as emergency services worked to assist affected areas.

Key Takeaways

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar on March 28.
It was followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock.
Tremors were felt in Thailand, India, and China.
Emergency services are actively searching for survivors.
No casualties reported so far.

Naypyidaw, March 28 (NationPress) A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar on Friday, followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock just 12 minutes later.

The seismic activity was also sensed across Thailand, parts of northeast India, and China.

As per the US Geological Survey, the quake's epicenter was located 16 km northwest of the city of Sagaing at a depth of 10 km.

The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) corroborated the depth of 10 km, noting that the epicenter was near Mandalay.

In the provincial capital of Kunming, many residents opted to stay outdoors for safety after sensing the tremor. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported thus far.

Li Zhihao, a resident of Jinghong in the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture bordering Myanmar, mentioned experiencing a tremor that lasted nearly a minute.

Xinhua reporters in Yangon confirmed that the tremors were strongly felt in the capital Nay Pyi Taw and the largest city, Yangon.

Reports indicated that several buildings in the Mandalay Region have collapsed, and numerous roads connecting Mandalay and Yangon have sustained damage.

In Bangkok, locals rushed out of buildings and into the streets in panic as the tremors struck.

Shocking footage captured the moment the intense tremors caused a towering skyscraper to collapse, prompting workers and locals to flee for safety.

Following the earthquake, Xinhua reporters in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and Bangkok reported that significant tremors were felt in those areas as well.

In Vientiane, buildings taller than three stories experienced noticeable shaking, with residents in high-rises feeling severe swaying indoors.

Police and emergency responders are diligently working throughout Myanmar to locate survivors and rescue individuals who may be trapped within their homes.