Naypyidaw, Mar 28 (V7N) – Myanmar was struck by two powerful earthquakes in quick succession, with a 7.7-magnitude tremor followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock near Mandalay, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter was located 597 kilometers (367 miles) from Bangladesh, and tremors were felt in India, Thailand, and several parts of Southeast Asia.

The 1,000-bed hospital in Naypyidaw has been overwhelmed with injured victims. A long line of patients—many covered in blood and dust—was seen outside the emergency department. Some were writhing in pain, while others appeared stunned by the powerful quake. Rescue teams brought in the wounded using cars and pickup trucks.

Myanmar’s ruling military government has declared a state of emergency in several regions. Officials stated on the Telegram messaging app that the government is launching a rapid investigation, alongside humanitarian aid and rescue operations.

However, there has been no official statement yet on the extent of damage, though authorities expect major destruction. Political instability in the country has further complicated information gathering.

Posts on social media show images of collapsed buildings and debris scattered across the streets of Mandalay, though Reuters has not yet verified these posts.

Three residents from Mandalay told Reuters that they saw multiple buildings collapse as people ran into the streets in panic.

  • Faiz, a local resident, was praying in a mosque when the quake struck.

    "I started shaking as I was washing my hands to pray. We all ran out of the mosque."

  • Het Naing, a roadside tea shop owner, said his shop collapsed with people still trapped inside.

    "We couldn't go inside to help them. The situation is very bad."

Myanmar’s fire department has begun searching for casualties and damage in Yangon, but an official told Reuters that no detailed information is available yet.

The political unrest in Myanmar has slowed down rescue efforts, and communication challenges are hampering real-time updates. Authorities are prioritizing search-and-rescue operations, while emergency responders continue to assess the full impact of the disaster.

END/MSS/AJ