International

7.7 magnitude earthquake shakes Myanmar, Bangkok panics

Hoang Bach • DNUM_CIZADZCACF 15:12

A powerful earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28. Witnesses said the quake sent people running out of buildings in Yangon and Bangkok, the capital of neighboring Thailand.

7tkueisqvnps7gj3xswcvtdv5e.jpg
People take to the streets after a strong earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28. The quake also affected Bangkok, sending hundreds of people running out of buildings in the Thai capital after the tremors. Photo: REUTERS

The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.7 and struck at a depth of 10 km. A strong aftershock followed shortly afterwards.

The epicenter was about 17.2 kilometers (10.7 miles) from the city of Mandalay, which has a population of about 1.2 million, according to the USGS.

There was no immediate information from Myanmar about the extent of the damage.

"We have started search operations and are going around Yangon to check for casualties and damage. We have no information at the moment," a Myanmar Fire Service officer told Reuters.

dcem4hq3ubmgzn3nbafyyxtxvm.jpg
People stand outside a building after a strong earthquake struck central Myanmar. The quake also hit Bangkok, sending hundreds of people running out of buildings in the Thai capital in panic. Photo: REUTERS

Social media posts from Mandalay showed several collapsed buildings and debris strewn across the streets. Major media outlets were unable to immediately verify the posts.

Witnesses in Yangon said many people fled buildings in Myanmar's largest city.

000_388m2t2.jpg
People stand outside an office building in Bangkok on March 28, after an earthquake struck central Myanmar, with tremors felt as far south as Thailand. Photo: AFP

Meanwhile, in Bangkok, witnesses said many people panicked and rushed into the streets, including many hotel guests who fled while wearing bathrobes and swimsuits.

Hoang Bach