An earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter Scale struck the central part of Myanmar, the country’s most populous area.
Its epicenter was located about 16 kilometers northwest of the city of Sagaing, at a depth of 10 kilometers, around 2:20 p.m. local time.
In Naypyidaw, the country’s capital, the quake tore up entire streets and caused the roofs of several buildings to collapse. A local hospital was reported to be in an “area with many casualties.” Thousands of deaths are feared.
The local government declared a state of emergency in six regions, calling for help from the international community.
The earthquake affected many buildings in the city. From one of them, water from a large infinity pool leaked over the edges and fell into the street.
At present, Myanmar’s ruling junta, which controls most local TV and news outlets, has not released detailed information about the damage and casualties caused by the quake.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, moreover, the first tremor was followed by a second, which although of a lesser magnitude, still registered a 6.4. Its epicenter was located a few kilometers south of the previous one.
