7.7 magnitude earthquake hits Myanmar

Mar 28 (Myanmar Now): A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck the Sagaing Region in northwestern Myanmar on Friday.

Tremors were felt across several towns, including Sagaing, Mandalay, Kyaukse, Pyin Oo Lwin, and Shwebo in upper Myanmar.

Cracks are seen on a road in Myanmar's capital, Naypyidaw. Photo: Getty Images via BBC

The United States Geological Survey reports that the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.7, with its epicentre located near Sagaing, approximately 10 miles south-southeast of Sagaing, and 10.7 miles east-southeast of Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. The area is already severely affected by ongoing civil conflict between resistance groups and the junta forces.

Witnesses told Myanmar Now that parts of the historic Mandalay Palace in Mandalay were severely damaged. At the same time, a bridge in Sagaing Township, Sagaing Region, was completely destroyed in the quake.

Other nearby towns, such as Kyaukse, Pyin Oo Lwin, and Shwebo, have also reported significant tremors, with local populations ranging from 50,480 in Kyaukse, to 117,303 in Pyin Oo Lwin.

Myanmar is situated along the Sagaing Fault, a major geological fault line that runs through several regions, including Mandalay. This fault has a history of significant seismic activity, making areas along its path particularly susceptible to earthquakes.

Photo: Volcano Discovery

The tremors were felt in neighbouring countries, including Thailand, India, and China. The full extent of the damage and any casualties are still being assessed as the situation develops.

Several high-rise buildings in Mandalay, once the seat of Myanmar’s last kingdom before British colonization in the 19th century, have collapsed, according to locals.

There are growing fears that residents may be trapped in the damaged structures.

The earthquake was also felt in Yangon and Naypyidaw, the administrative capital of the ruling military junta. In the aftermath, several official websites controlled by the junta have gone offline since the quake struck.

(This is a developing story.)