A 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Myanmar, Causing Devastation in Multiple Areas | WPN World People News

On the afternoon of the 28th, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, affecting areas more than 1,000 kilometers away from the epicenter, including Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. In the city, a 30-story building under construction, a joint venture between Thai and Chinese companies, collapsed within seconds. The powerful earthquake has resulted in 694 deaths and 1,670 injuries, prompting Myanmar's military government to declare a state of emergency.

According to media reports, the epicenter was located about 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing City, with a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers. The tremors were felt strongly in neighboring countries, including China and Thailand. About 10 minutes after the main shock of 7.7 magnitude, a 6.7 magnitude aftershock occurred. In the following hours, over 10 aftershocks took place, with magnitudes mostly ranging from 3 to 5. The aftershocks spread both north and south of the main epicenter.

In Taungoo, located about 220 kilometers from Yangon, a mosque collapsed, killing at least three people. In the town of Aungban in Shan State, a hotel collapsed, killing at least two people and trapping 20 others.

The seismic waves also affected Bangkok, Thailand, where a 30-story building under construction collapsed. The building, costing 2 billion TWD, was a joint investment by Italian, Thai, and Chinese companies and was planned to be used as an office building for the Thai government upon completion. The building collapsed into ruins within four seconds during the earthquake, trapping approximately 81 workers. Some of the workers sadly lost their lives, and rescue teams, using heavy machinery and rescue dogs, were dispatched to search for survivors.

Myanmar's military government has declared a national state of emergency and is seeking international aid, calling on various organizations to provide rescue and humanitarian assistance.