Rescue efforts are underway in Myanmar following a severe earthquake that has resulted in significant casualties and extensive damage, with state emergency measures enacted across six regions.
State of Emergency Declared After Devastating Earthquake in Myanmar
State of Emergency Declared After Devastating Earthquake in Myanmar
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake has struck central Myanmar, prompting a declaration of a state of emergency as the nation grapples with the aftermath.
The ground shook violently in central Myanmar with a magnitude of 7.7, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), originating 16km (10 miles) north-west of Sagaing at a depth of 10km. The tremors reverberated across borders, affecting areas in south-west China and Thailand. In an alarming outcome, at least 81 construction workers in Bangkok have been reported missing due to the collapse of an unfinished high-rise building hundreds of miles away, according to Thailand’s deputy prime minister.
In Mandalay, one of Myanmar's largest cities, a rescuer shared with the BBC the extensive damage observed, stating that casualty figures are “at least in the hundreds.” The earthquake's destructive force also buckled roads in Naypyidaw, leading the country's military government to issue a state of emergency across six affected regions.
Following the initial quake, a second aftershock registered a magnitude of 6.4, occurring 12 minutes later with its epicenter 18km (11.1 miles) south of Sagaing. Eyewitness accounts from areas such as Yangon report feelings of anxiety among residents, who are now concerned about additional aftershocks.
Bui Thu, a journalist residing in Bangkok, recounted her experience during the quake, expressing panic and concern over the structural integrity of buildings in the city, which are not designed to withstand seismic activity.
Since the 2021 coup that plunged Myanmar into political instability, the military government has exerted control over local media, complicating information dissemination amidst this crisis. The realization of the scale of destruction continues to unfold as more details emerge from the affected regions.
For live updates and community discussions, follow our coverage of the Myanmar earthquake.
In Mandalay, one of Myanmar's largest cities, a rescuer shared with the BBC the extensive damage observed, stating that casualty figures are “at least in the hundreds.” The earthquake's destructive force also buckled roads in Naypyidaw, leading the country's military government to issue a state of emergency across six affected regions.
Following the initial quake, a second aftershock registered a magnitude of 6.4, occurring 12 minutes later with its epicenter 18km (11.1 miles) south of Sagaing. Eyewitness accounts from areas such as Yangon report feelings of anxiety among residents, who are now concerned about additional aftershocks.
Bui Thu, a journalist residing in Bangkok, recounted her experience during the quake, expressing panic and concern over the structural integrity of buildings in the city, which are not designed to withstand seismic activity.
Since the 2021 coup that plunged Myanmar into political instability, the military government has exerted control over local media, complicating information dissemination amidst this crisis. The realization of the scale of destruction continues to unfold as more details emerge from the affected regions.
For live updates and community discussions, follow our coverage of the Myanmar earthquake.
