A powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 magnitude Friday struck Myanmar and Thailand destroying buildings, damaging roads and bridges, and leaving more than 144 people dead.
The earthquake occurred at about midday in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city with a population of about 1.5 million. Strong aftershocks followed, including one that was measured at 6.4 magnitude,
Thailand declared Bangkok the capital where a skyscraper under construction crumbled to the ground a “disaster area.” About 88 construction workers have been trapped according to Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt.
In Myanmar — where the ruling military junta has declared a state of emergency — at least 144 people were reported dead and 732 injured, according to Reuters, which cited a Friday evening update on state television. Myanmar’s junta chief reportedly said there would be “many more” deaths and casualties” and that routes for international assistance had been opened.
