A day after strong earthquakes ravaged Myanmar, resulting in more than 1,000 fatalities, the nation experienced another tremor of magnitude 5.1 on Saturday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The USGS reported that the earthquake took place at approximately 2:50 pm close to Naypyidaw, Myanmar’s capital, with a depth of 10 kilometers. The level of destruction or specifics regarding any victims from Saturday’s earthquake, which hit the same region impacted by Friday’s quakes, are not yet known.
The new earthquake hit Naypyidaw as officials were attempting to fix broken roads, while power, phone, and internet services continued to be unavailable throughout much of the city.
Myanmar experienced a strong 7.7-magnitude earthquake yesterday, which was succeeded by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock only 11 minutes later, causing significant devastation.
Buildings, bridges, historical sites, roads, and other public infrastructure suffered extensive damage, with Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, housing around 1.5 million residents, becoming the focal point of devastation.
As per the latest official figures, at least 1,002 individuals have lost their lives and more than 2,300 have been injured. While rescuers persist in uncovering bodies from the debris, the military-led administration suggested that the count may increase, asserting that “precise numbers are still being compiled.” At the same time, the USGS has estimated that the number of fatalities in Myanmar may surpass 10,000.
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In neighboring Thailand, where the earthquake rattled structures and led to the collapse of a skyscraper being built in Bangkok, at least nine lives were lost.
Rescue efforts continued into their second day at the location of the 33-story building collapse, with 47 individuals, including workers from Myanmar, still unaccounted for or trapped beneath the debris.
Thai officials stated that the earthquake on Friday and its aftershocks were experienced throughout most provinces, with numerous northern regions, such as Chiang Mai, indicating harm to homes, hospitals, and temples. However, fatalities were reported solely in Bangkok.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a conversation with Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of the military government in Myanmar, on Saturday and expressed India’s support for the nation in facing the destruction.
India supplied 15 tonnes of aid materials to Myanmar as part of ‘Operation Brahma’ and is dispatching a team of 80 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) members for relief and rescue operations in Myanmar.
