Epicenter and details of the quake
According to preliminary data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter of the earthquake was located in a mountainous area in eastern Myanmar, near the border with Thailand, at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers, which increases its destructive potential.
The tremor was felt with great intensity in several major cities such as Yangon, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok, where many residents ran out of their homes during the shaking.
Damage and casualties
So far, local authorities have not confirmed the exact number of victims or injuries, but partial building collapses, power outages, and communication failures have been reported in areas near the epicenter. Rescue teams are already mobilized in the affected areas.
Images shared on social media show cracked streets, houses with structural damage, and people in shock. In some regions, transportation services and school classes have been temporarily suspended.
Tsunami Alert
Although the epicenter was not directly in the sea, coastal authorities in the region issued a preventive tsunami alert for some areas of Southeast Asia, such as southern Thailand and the Bay of Bengal. The alert was lifted hours later, as no significant changes in sea level were recorded.
Official Reactions
The Prime Minister of Thailand expressed his concern and assured that the government is monitoring the situation minute by minute. Meanwhile, international organizations such as the Red Cross and the UN have offered assistance if needed.
Conclusion
This devastating earthquake of magnitude 7.7 in Myanmar and Thailand serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to natural phenomena. Authorities are urging people to remain calm, follow official instructions, and be prepared for possible aftershocks. The entire world is watching the development of this humanitarian emergency.