[WORLD] A massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, spreading shockwaves across the area and as far as Thailand. The earthquake, which occurred at around 8:45 a.m. local time on Thursday, caused widespread devastation, with reports of collapsed structures, injuries, and at least a few deaths. While Myanmar was the heaviest struck, tremors were reported in neighboring countries such as Thailand, Laos, and Bangladesh, necessitating quick emergency measures.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake's epicenter occurred in the city of Tagaung in central Myanmar, some 100 kilometers north of the country's capital, Naypyidaw. The quake's depth was measured at 10 kilometers, which is a shallow depth that often causes more intense surface shaking.
Devastation in Myanmar
According to reports from Myanmar's Ministry of Emergency Management and local agencies, structures have collapsed in various places, mainly in the country's center and north. The capital, Naypyidaw, has suffered substantial structural damage, and emergency crews are scrambling to rescue persons trapped beneath the wreckage.
Local hospitals are overrun with victims, including both civilians and military people. The whole extent of the damage is unknown, but the death toll is expected to climb as rescue attempts go.
In addition to infrastructure destruction, Myanmar's electricity grid has been seriously harmed, with extensive outages recorded throughout significant areas of the country. Telecommunications have also been affected, hindering attempts to coordinate rescue and relief activities.
Impact in Neighboring Countries
The earthquake's tremors were felt severely in neighboring Thailand, where skyscrapers in the capital, Bangkok, shook and residents reported feeling the ground move for several seconds. The Thai government has yet to confirm any structural damage or injuries within its borders, but officials are on high alert.
Tremors were also reported in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and Dhaka, a city in Bangladesh. While the impact in these places appears to be less severe, local authorities have issued warnings about probable aftershocks and are actively monitoring the situation.
International Response and Aid Efforts
International institutions such as the United Nations and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have voiced solidarity with the Myanmar people. The United Nations has already offered to send emergency relief, including medical supplies and search and rescue teams, to help the Myanmar government respond.
Thailand and China, for example, have sent emergency personnel to help with relief efforts. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is actively watching the situation and will provide more support if needed.
Seismic Risks in the Region
The region surrounding Myanmar, which includes Thailand and Laos, is seismically active due to its location on the Indo-Burmese and Sunda tectonic plates. While big earthquakes are uncommon, Myanmar has experienced strong shocks in the past, including a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in 2011 that caused widespread damage. Today's 7.7-magnitude earthquake is one of the region's strongest in recent years.
Experts warn that aftershocks are likely in the next hours and days, raising concerns about further damage and casualties. They propose that people of impacted areas avoid unstable constructions and spend as much time as possible in open places.
As the region braces for the potential impact of aftershocks, efforts to provide immediate relief to those affected continue. International aid is arriving in Myanmar, and rescue operations are underway to assist those trapped beneath debris. The coming days will be critical in assessing the full scope of the disaster and providing much-needed assistance to those affected by the earthquake.
For now, governments, aid organizations, and the general public are on high alert as Myanmar and its neighbors navigate the aftermath of this catastrophic event.
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