At least 10 people have perished following the collapse of a mosque in Mandalay, Myanmar, after a significant earthquake hit the region on Friday, as reported by local media outlet Khit Thit and Xinhua. The earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.7 and was centred 16 kilometres north northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar, according to the US Geological Survey. The epicentre was noted at a depth of 10.0 km, situated at 22.01 degrees north latitude and 95.92 degrees east longitude.
The earthquake inflicted “considerable damage” on several structures, including the walled fort of Mandalay Palace. Multiple collapses occurred across buildings in the Mandalay Region, with roads linking Mandalay and Yangon affected or blocked, causing transportation issues. Tremors from the quake were strongly felt in Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon, reported Xinhua reporters in Yangon. According to reports, some schools and office premises in Nay Pyi Taw have also collapsed. The Myanmar Fire Service Department has initiated a rescue operation in response.
In Vientiane, Bangkok, and Hanoi, Xinhua reporters have confirmed that strong tremors were experienced, emanating from the Myanmar quake. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Thailand declared a state of emergency in Bangkok, following the collapse of a 30-storey building under construction, which resulted in one fatality and 43 individuals unaccounted for.
In Vientiane, buildings taller than three stories exhibited noticeable movement, causing residents in high-rise structures to experience significant swaying. Similarly, residents in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City also reported distinctive shaking in their high-rise residences.
