Fears of many deaths are being expressed in Myanmar after the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the country and neighboring Thailand earlier today.
Eight people were killed when a building collapsed in Pyi Gyi Tagon township of Myanmar's second largest city, while an unknown number of others are missing.
At least three more people were killed by the partial collapse of mosques in the country after the powerful 7.7 earthquake that hit the country and neighboring Thailand earlier today.
"We were saying our prayers when the earthquake started. Three people were killed on the spot," said eyewitnesses in Taungnoo town, Bago region.
The earthquake in Myanmar struck at noon local time on Friday, causing buildings and bridges to collapse and trapping dozens of people in the rubble. Although there is no official death toll yet, the Anadolu Agency reports that at least 15 people – including young children – were killed while performing religious duties at a Buddhist mosque in the country.
Thousands feared dead in Myanmar earthquake
The US Geological Survey has issued a red alert for deaths and damage after a 7,7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar.
On its website it states that "a high number of casualties and extensive damage are possible and the destruction is likely widespread," while adding that there are likely to be thousands of dead in the country.
Buildings have collapsed in the city of Mandalay, about 17 km from the epicenter of the earthquake, as has the historic Ava Bridge.
Two dead, unknown number trapped in Bangkok skyscraper collapse
At the same time, in Bangkok, rescue workers are reporting at least two deaths from the collapse of a skyscraper under construction in the Thai capital, which was shaken by the earthquake.
An unknown number of people - local media earlier said 43 - remain trapped in the rubble of the building. Rescuer Songwut Wankpon told reporters that seven people had been pulled out alive.
The multi-story building collapsed like a paper tower within seconds of the earthquake hitting around 13:30 p.m. local time, with the crane on its roof hurling to the ground in a huge cloud of dust.
"When I arrived to inspect the building, I heard people shouting 'please help me,'" deputy police chief of Bangkok's Bang Sue district, Goraphat Suktai, told AFP.
The building under construction was to house government services.
Bangkok a disaster zone
The Thai capital has been declared a disaster zone after the earthquake in neighboring Myanmar, Bangkok City Hall said.
The city's governor took over the coordination of disaster relief efforts, he told Reuters.
Chanchart Sitipun said many skyscrapers suffered serious damage from the earthquake and building inspections were underway. He urged residents to be careful and not rush to return to their apartments.
Myanmar's junta declares state of emergency in affected areas
The junta in civil war-torn Myanmar has declared a state of emergency in a large part of the country's central regions, including its second largest city, Mandalay, and the capital, Naypyidaw, where it is headquartered.
The junta also appealed for international humanitarian aid for the six areas hit by the earthquake. Its leader, Min Aung Hlaing, visited the wounded in hospital.
Source: iefimerida.gr
