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Powerful Earthquake Tremors Resonate Across South-East Asia
A significant 8.2 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar early Friday, sending tremors across much of South-East Asia. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the seismic event originated northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles).
Aftershock Follows Major Myanmar Earthquake
Approximately 12 minutes after the initial quake, a 6.4 magnitude aftershock was detected near Mandalay, further confirmed by the USGS. A red alert has been issued, encompassing Bangladesh, India, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and China as potentially affected nations.
Earthquake Impact Felt Regionally, Building Collapse in Thailand
Neighboring Thailand also experienced the seismic activity, resulting in the complete collapse of a skyscraper under construction in the region. Reports indicate around 50 individuals are currently trapped within the debris, and tragically, three fatalities have been confirmed.
Epicenter Located Northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar
Geographic data illustrates the epicenter’s location northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar. The USGS highlighted the Friday earthquake’s shallow depth of just six miles. The map visually represents the widespread reach of the tremors, extending to southwest China, northwest Laos, northern Thailand, southeast India, and Bangladesh, where the weakest shaking was recorded.
Tsunami Concerns Briefly Raised
Initial concerns regarding potential tsunami activity arose, prompting the Tsunami Warning Centre of China’s Ministry of Natural Resources to evaluate the possibility of local tsunamis. However, assessments indicated that mainland China would likely remain unaffected.
India Pledges Support to Myanmar
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed India’s readiness to provide assistance to Myanmar in the aftermath of Friday’s substantial earthquake.
“Concerned by the situation in the wake of the Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand,” Modi stated on social media platform X, adding: “India stands ready to offer all possible assistance.”
Neighboring Countries Assess Earthquake Aftermath
Authorities in both neighboring India and Bangladesh have reported no major repercussions from the seismic event.
Intensity of Earthquake Tremors Mapped Across Region
A subsequent map details the varying intensity of tremors felt across Myanmar and adjacent countries. The earthquake’s epicenter experienced violent to extreme shaking, correlating to intensity levels IX or X+ on seismic scales, indicating heavy to very heavy damage. Further south within Myanmar, intensities ranged from V to VIII, suggesting light to moderate or heavy damage potential.
Tremors in Northern Thailand
In northern Thailand, particularly around Chiang Mai, residents experienced weak to moderate shaking, with anticipated damage ranging from negligible to light.