A powerful earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar on Friday afternoon. The epicenter was located at 21.85 degrees north latitude and 95.95 degrees east longitude, with a depth of 30 kilometers.
The tremors were strongly felt in the capital Naypyitaw and Myanmar's largest city of Yangon. The quake was also felt across Thailand, with strong tremors reported in Bangkok. Tremors lasted for several minutes, prompting residents to evacuate high-rise buildings and gather in the streets, worsening traffic congestion in downtown Bangkok.
A high-rise building under construction in Bangkok collapsed as a result of the earthquake. However, the number of casualties remained unknown. Thailand's stock exchange was also halted following the earthquake.
The earthquake was the strongest detected in the world so far this year and the 17th earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 and above. A second earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale was reported in Myanmar shortly after the first.
5 Comments
Manolo Noriega
Proud of the way the Thai government is handling this crisis. 🇹ðŸ‡
Fuerza
The outpouring of support for the victims of this earthquake is heartwarming. 💖
Manolo Noriega
The images coming out of Myanmar and Thailand are heartbreaking. We need to do everything we can to help.
Ongania
This is a tragedy for the families of those who have been lost. We need to keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
Fuerza
The economic impact of this earthquake will be significant. We need to be prepared for the long road to recovery.