Myanmar earthquake: Photos, video show devastation as mosque and Mahamuni Pagoda collapse after strong tremors
At least three people were killed when a mosque in Myanmar’s Bago region partially collapsed during a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake on Friday. “We were saying prayers when the shaking started… Three died on the spot,” a resident from Taungnoo town was quoted as saying by Reuters.
Photos and videos from Mandalay showed significant damage to a mosque and the Mahamuni Pagoda, one of the country’s most sacred Buddhist sites. The quake also caused the collapse of the Wailuwun monastery, resulting in more casualties, according to state media.
In Sagaing region, a 90-year-old bridge collapsed, and parts of the Mandalay-Yangon highway were damaged. Buildings and religious shrines in Naypyidaw, the capital, were also affected, with debris scattered across several areas.
Myanmar declares state of emergency
Myanmar’s ruling junta declared a state of emergency across six regions as the earthquake reportedly killing several people, including children, and caused widespread destruction. The junta has also made a rare appeal for international humanitarian aid to assist in relief efforts.
Thailand hit by aftershocks
The earthquake’s impact extended to Thailand, where local media reported two deaths and 43 people missing. A high-rise building under construction near Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market collapsed, and police are still assessing casualties.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as alarms blared and residents fled. “The whole building was moving—there was screaming and panic,” said Fraser Morton, a tourist from Scotland.
Thai authorities declared Bangkok an ’emergency zone’ after the earthquake and a subsequent 6.4-magnitude aftershock, advising people to remain outdoors. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has called an emergency meeting to evaluate the damage.
Ongoing crisis
In Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, residents fled their homes. Mandalay’s former royal palace sustained damage, while in Bangkok, rooftop pools overflowed as high-rise buildings swayed.
State media in Myanmar warned of potential aftershocks as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
