Six earthquakes hit Myanmar, over 140 dead

Naypyidaw

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread destruction and panic across Southeast Asia. Myanmar’s military government confirmed that 144 people had died and 732 were injured.

In neighboring Thailand, the tremors led to the collapse of an under-construction skyscraper in Bangkok, killing three people and leaving dozens missing.

The National Center for Seismology (NCS) recorded six earthquakes throughout the day, with the latest measuring 4.3 in magnitude at a depth of 10 km. Experts fear further aftershocks, adding to the region’s distress.

The quake’s impact was felt across Myanmar, Thailand, northeast India, and parts of China. In Bangkok, metro and rail services were briefly suspended due to the intensity of the tremors. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared a state of emergency and called for an urgent crisis meeting.

Mandalay in Myanmar suffered severe damage, with a mosque collapsing, trapping several people. Roads leading to Yangon are blocked, hampering relief efforts. Videos from the region show terrified residents running as buildings crumble.

Rescue teams are working around the clock to locate survivors. Myanmar has declared a state of emergency and appealed for international assistance. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed solidarity, assuring, “India stands ready to offer all possible assistance.” Authorities continue urgent search and rescue operations, hoping to save as many lives as possible.

Myanmar Earthquake Timeline

🔹 11:50 AM – 7.2 magnitude earthquake shakes the region. (Lat: 21.93 N, Long: 96.07 E, Depth: 10 km)

🔹 12:02 PM – 7.0 magnitude earthquake follows soon after. (Lat: 21.41 N, Long: 95.43 E, Depth: 10 km)

🔹 12:57 PM – 5.0 magnitude earthquake occurs as an aftershock. (Lat: 22.97 N, Long: 95.56 E, Depth: 10 km)

🔹 1:07 PM – 4.9 magnitude earthquake strikes at a deeper depth. (Lat: 22.55 N, Long: 95.34 E, Depth: 30 km)

🔹 2:48 PM – 4.4 magnitude tremor reported at a shallow depth. (Lat: 23.35 N, Long: 95.31 E, Depth: 10 km)

🔹 3:25 PM – 4.3 magnitude earthquake recorded, adding to the series of quakes. (Lat: 19.43 N, Long: 95.47 E, Depth: 10 km)

Source: NCS report