Earthquake in Myanmar: Death toll estimated at 10,000

According to CNN, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay in Myanmar and shook neighboring Thailand. This was the strongest earthquake to hit Myanmar in over a century.

The U.S. Geological Survey estimates the death toll could reach 10,000 people.

Dr. Kyi Minn, director of a national humanitarian organization in Myanmar, said it could take years for some of the hardest-hit areas to rebuild after the 7.7 magnitude earthquake.

Heads of other aid organizations said they were facing challenges in providing resources to those affected by the earthquake. It was also difficult to gather reliable information about issues affecting Myanmar, as the country's military frequently cut off communication in conflict zones.

An interactive map on the U.S. Geological Survey website shows that at least 14 aftershocks have occurred in Myanmar since the 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28.

Most aftershocks—occurring within hours of a major earthquake—were between magnitudes 3 and 5 on the Richter scale. The strongest aftershock, measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale, occurred about 10 minutes after the main earthquake.

Two earthquakes – measuring 4.9 and 6.7 – occurred about 60 kilometers from Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, which suffered significant damage. Other earthquakes spread north and south from the main earthquake, forming a straight line.

Besides Myanmar and Thailand, the tremors from the earthquake could be felt in places as far away as Yunnan and Guangxi provinces in China, and the cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

UNICEF said that ground-based aid teams are preparing to provide humanitarian assistance following the earthquake.

"UNICEF is deeply concerned about the devastating impact of today's earthquake in Myanmar on children and families," the agency said, noting the damage in Thailand.

UNICEF says its teams on the ground are assessing the impact and preparing humanitarian assistance.