Myanmar hit by strong 7.7 earthquake with aftershocks felt in Bangkok
A powerful earthquake has struck Myanmar, with the impact rocking Thailand’s capital Bangkok.
Hundreds of people reported fleeing their homes in panic in Bangkok as videos reportedly show collapsed bridges and buildings in the region.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said a 7.7 magnitude earthquake had struck central Myanmar at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles) just before 1pm local time (6:20 GMT).
The epicentre of the disaster was about 17.2 km from the city of Mandalay, which has a population about 1.2 million, according to USGS.
(Picture: REUTERS)
Witnesses say water splashed out of swimming pools and residents in Bangkok ran onto the streets in terror.
Concern has now grown for the 9million residents of Bangkok, which is a densely populated city.
The city’s Governor Chadchart has ordered the establishment of an earthquake incident command centre at the Rattanakosin Room, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
Videos reportedly show devastating damage to infrastructure as the ground shook.
A high rise building in Chatuchak, Bangkok, appears to have collapsed as locals were seen running away from a cloud of debris.
Thailand’s Stock Exchange of Thailand has now announced the closure of all trading activities for the remainder of the afternoon.
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