Myanmar Earthquake Update: At least 144 dead and 732 injured, expected to rise

The Southeast Asian region experienced a powerful earthquake today, with significant impact felt in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, and with the epicenter located in neighboring Myanmar. Here’s a summary of the key events:  

Earthquake Details:

• Magnitude and Epicenter:
  • A strong 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck, with its epicenter located near Mandalay, in the Sagaing region of Myanmar.
  • The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, which contributed to the widespread impact.
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• Impact in Thailand:
  • Tremors were strongly felt in Bangkok, causing widespread panic.  
  • A significant incident occurred when a 30-story building under construction collapsed, resulting in fatalities and trapping numerous people.   
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  • The Thai government issued nationwide alerts, and Prime Minister Shinawatra declared a state of emergency in Bangkok.  
  • Thailand’s stock exchange halted trading.  
• Casualties and Damage:
  • Reports indicate fatalities and numerous injuries in both Myanmar and Thailand.  
  • Rescue operations are underway in affected areas, with emergency services working to free those trapped in rubble.  
  • Damage to infrastructure has been reported, with buildings and other structures affected.   
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• Regional Impact:
  • Tremors were felt across a wide region, including parts of China, India, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.  
  • This highlights the significant reach of the earthquake’s impact.
• Aftershocks:
  • Reports show that aftershocks have occurred, including a 6.4 magnitude aftershock.  
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• Response:
  • The Thai government has mobilized emergency services and issued warnings to citizens to remain vigilant.  
  • International news sources report that Myanmar has requested urgent help from the international community.  
  • The EU has also stated that they are prepared to provide support.  

Key Concerns:

• The collapse of the building in Bangkok has been a major focus of rescue efforts.
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• The potential for further aftershocks remains a concern.
• The extent of the damage in Myanmar is still being assessed, with reports indicating significant casualties.  

The earthquake has caused significant disruption and concern across the region, with ongoing efforts to provide aid and support to those affected.