A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake has hit central Myanmar, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake’s epicentre was located 16km (10 miles) north-west of Sagaing at a depth of 10km, the agency reported.
The tremors extended beyond Myanmar’s borders, reaching Thailand and Yunnan in south-west China. Videos circulating on social media show damage to buildings in Bangkok, where structural integrity may be compromised due to the city’s lack of earthquake-resistant engineering.
Reports from Myanmar indicate that roads have buckled in the capital, Naypyidaw. Earthquakes are relatively common in Myanmar compared to Thailand, with historical data showing that between 1930 and 1956, six strong quakes of 7.0 magnitude occurred near the Sagaing Fault, which runs through the centre of the country, according to AFP, citing the USGS.
Thailand, not typically considered an earthquake-prone zone, experiences tremors mainly from neighbouring Myanmar. The rarity of strong quakes in Thailand raises concerns over structural damage, particularly in Bangkok, where buildings are not designed to withstand powerful seismic activity.
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