A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday afternoon, sending tremours across neighbouring countries, including Thailand and China.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake hit 16 kilometers (10 miles) north-northwest of Sagaing at approximately 12:50 p.m. local time.
Just 12 minutes later, a strong aftershock measuring 6.4-magnitude rattled the region, further heightening fears of destruction.
There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties in Myanmar, a country already grappling with a prolonged civil conflict since 2021.
Residents across Myanmar and beyond described scenes of panic as the tremours hit.
A Yangon resident, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted the terrifying experience: “We felt the quake for about one minute and then we ran out of the building. We saw other people running out of the buildings too. It was very sudden and very strong.”
The quake’s impact extended far beyond Myanmar’s borders. In Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, a CNN journalist described chaotic scenes in his apartment as light fixtures swayed and residents rushed to evacuate.
In Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, another resident shared their experience, “I felt it for about ten seconds in my room, then I figured out I couldn’t stay inside. So I rushed out onto the street.”
The seismic waves also reached parts of China, with social media users reporting tremours in Yunnan province, which borders Myanmar, and as far as Shaanxi province.
Authorities in affected regions were closely monitoring the situation, while residents brace for potential aftershocks.
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