A devastating earthquake struck Southeast Asia on Friday, causing multiple fatalities and severe destruction.
In Myanmar, at least three people lost their lives in Taungoo when a mosque partially collapsed, while local reports confirmed two deaths and 20 injuries after a hotel collapsed in Aung Ban.
The ruling military declared a state of emergency in several regions, pledging rapid response and humanitarian aid.
In Thailand, a skyscraper under construction in Bangkok collapsed, killing at least one person and trapping several workers under the debris before they were rescued.
Authorities declared the capital a disaster-stricken area, urging caution and support for those affected. Witnesses in Bangkok described scenes of panic as people fled buildings, with water spilling from an elevated pool at a luxury hotel.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake measured 7.7 in magnitude at a depth of 10 km, striking just over 17 km from Myanmar’s city of Mandalay.
The quake was followed by a strong aftershock, adding to the devastation. Social media posts showed collapsed buildings and debris scattered across Mandalay, though these reports could not be immediately verified.