A 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed at least 23 people across Myanmar on Friday, with the number of casualties expected to rise as rescue efforts continue nationwide.
“We want the international community to give humanitarian aid as soon as possible,” Zaw Min Tun, the regime spokesperson, told AFP during a visit by regime leader Min Aung Hlaing to a hospital in Naypyidaw treating survivors of the earthquake on Friday.
The regime declared a state of emergency in at least six states and regions, including Naypyidaw, Shan State, Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway and Bago.
It cited the Natural Disaster Management Law, adding that it will provide emergency relief to survivors of the earthquake and conduct an investigation into the collapse of buildings, homes and bridges across the country.
At least 11 bodies were recovered in Taungoo Township with four more in Phyu Township of Bago Region, located 94-127 miles (151-204 km) north of the region’s capital Bago.
At least six bodies were recovered in southern Shan State, including four at the Hotel Aungban in Aungban Township and two at Inle Lake in Nyaungshwe Township, located 18-35 miles (28-45 km) west and southwest of the Shan State capital Taunggyi.
Two bodies were recovered in Sagaing Township of Sagaing Region, located 67 miles (107 km) east of the region’s capital Monywa. Sagaing was the epicenter of the earthquake and is 14 miles (22 km) west of the country’s second largest city of Mandalay, home to 1.5 million residents.
There were at least 14 reported aftershocks, which caused extensive damage across central Myanmar. Sagaing and Mandalay regions, Naypyidaw and Shan State reported the most damage to local infrastructure.
A video on social media showed the Ava bridge, which connects Mandalay to Sagaing regions, collapsing into the river.
Buddhist pagodas and monasteries, including Mahamuni Pagoda, Me Nu Brick Monastery and Shwe Sar Yar Pagoda in Mandalay collapsed. Several mosques in Mandalay were also destroyed.
The earthquake was felt in Myanmar’s largest city of Yangon, but no major damage to homes or buildings were reported.
“So far, there have been no reports of major damage in Yangon. If aftershocks of this magnitude continue, especially at night, the situation could become more concerning,” a firefighter in Insein Township told DVB.
