Strong Earthquake of 7.7 Magnitude Strikes Myanmar, Search for Missing Ongoing
A powerful earthquake followed by a secondary tremor has led to extensive damage across Myanmar and neighboring regions, prompting urgent rescue efforts.
On March 28, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The epicenter was located approximately 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing at a depth of 10 kilometers.
This significant seismic event was shortly followed by a secondary earthquake measuring 6.4 in magnitude, occurring just ten minutes later.
The tremors were felt across neighboring Thailand and the Yunnan province in southwestern China, with reports of damage to buildings in Bangkok.
In the capital of Myanmar, Naypyidaw, there were reports of road collapses.
Eyewitness Soe Lvin reported that the earthquake was felt for an extended period, noting that heavy damage was not observed in downtown Yangon, Myanmar's largest city.
In Bangkok, panic ensued as residents rushed to evacuate buildings.
Bui Tu, a local journalist, expressed anxiety as many had not experienced such a strong tremor in over a decade.
Cracks were reported in her apartment's walls, and the sense of urgency compelled her and others to flee to the streets.
Authorities reported that emergency services in Bangkok were active following the collapse of a multi-story building.
As many as 43 construction workers were reported missing after the structure, a 30-story office complex near Chatuchak Park, collapsed.
Seven individuals managed to escape, while rescuers are attempting to locate those trapped inside.
Historically, Myanmar experiences more frequent earthquakes compared to Thailand.
There have been six significant earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 7.1 recorded near the Sagaing Fault between 1930 and 1956, as documented by USGS data.
Thailand is generally not considered a seismic zone, with most tremors originating from nearby Myanmar.
Witness accounts and social media footage depicted chaotic scenes as buildings crumbled and people fled in panic.
Initial reports indicated that thousands of casualties were anticipated, with extensive property damage expected across the affected regions.
Cities including Mandalay, located roughly 17 kilometers from the earthquake's epicenter, reported severe destruction, with many buildings either significantly damaged or completely leveled.
Emergency responders continue to assess the situation across Myanmar and surrounding areas, while cities in India and Laos also reported feeling the tremors.
The epicenter was located approximately 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing at a depth of 10 kilometers.
This significant seismic event was shortly followed by a secondary earthquake measuring 6.4 in magnitude, occurring just ten minutes later.
The tremors were felt across neighboring Thailand and the Yunnan province in southwestern China, with reports of damage to buildings in Bangkok.
In the capital of Myanmar, Naypyidaw, there were reports of road collapses.
Eyewitness Soe Lvin reported that the earthquake was felt for an extended period, noting that heavy damage was not observed in downtown Yangon, Myanmar's largest city.
In Bangkok, panic ensued as residents rushed to evacuate buildings.
Bui Tu, a local journalist, expressed anxiety as many had not experienced such a strong tremor in over a decade.
Cracks were reported in her apartment's walls, and the sense of urgency compelled her and others to flee to the streets.
Authorities reported that emergency services in Bangkok were active following the collapse of a multi-story building.
As many as 43 construction workers were reported missing after the structure, a 30-story office complex near Chatuchak Park, collapsed.
Seven individuals managed to escape, while rescuers are attempting to locate those trapped inside.
Historically, Myanmar experiences more frequent earthquakes compared to Thailand.
There have been six significant earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 7.1 recorded near the Sagaing Fault between 1930 and 1956, as documented by USGS data.
Thailand is generally not considered a seismic zone, with most tremors originating from nearby Myanmar.
Witness accounts and social media footage depicted chaotic scenes as buildings crumbled and people fled in panic.
Initial reports indicated that thousands of casualties were anticipated, with extensive property damage expected across the affected regions.
Cities including Mandalay, located roughly 17 kilometers from the earthquake's epicenter, reported severe destruction, with many buildings either significantly damaged or completely leveled.
Emergency responders continue to assess the situation across Myanmar and surrounding areas, while cities in India and Laos also reported feeling the tremors.
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