People stand near a collapsed building after a strong earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28. (Source: Reuters)

According to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC), the earthquake that occurred in Myanmar had a magnitude of 7.9 on the Richter scale, affecting many neighboring areas including China and Thailand.

Earlier, the US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded an earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale and occurring in the northwest region of Sagaing city, Myanmar. Following the earthquake, an aftershock measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale was also recorded in the area.

Regarding damage, in Myanmar, earthquakes and tremors caused serious damage in a series of localities, including the capital Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay city and Yangon.

In the capital Nay Pyi Taw, several public buildings, including the National Museum, were severely damaged. Witnesses said the museum’s ceiling collapsed and walls cracked, sending panicked staff running outside. Several residential areas also reported damage to their homes and forced many people to evacuate.

Meanwhile, many buildings in the city of Mandalay were completely destroyed. A mosque collapsed, killing at least 10 people. The transportation system between Mandalay and Yangon was also severely damaged after many roads were cracked and cut off.

Currently, rescue and search operations in Myanmar are still urgently underway. Authorities are assessing the extent of damage and assisting those affected.

In Thailand, an earthquake caused a 30-story building under construction in Bangkok to collapse, trapping at least 43 workers. The country's prime minister declared a state of emergency immediately after the incident. According to the latest information from the National Institute of Emergency Medicine, at least one worker has died, while dozens of others have been rescued.

Several subway and skytrain lines were also suspended due to the earthquake. Strong shaking was also felt in the city of Chiang Mai. Prime Minister Shinawatra decided to leave his working trip to Phuket island to hold an emergency meeting on the earthquake situation.

In Laos, many buildings of three floors or more in the capital Vientiane shook violently, causing panic among residents. Some residents on higher floors said they felt the shaking for a long time.

In China, the earthquake also caused strong tremors in Yunnan Province, which borders Myanmar. According to Xinhua , residents in Kunming, the provincial capital, felt the tremors and many rushed out of their homes to avoid danger. There have been no reports of damage or casualties in Yunnan.

There is currently no specific information about the impact of the earthquake on Vietnam. However, many people in the capital Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and some other localities, especially those living in high-rise apartments, felt slight tremors.

In Hanoi, many buildings in Bac Tu Liem, Hoang Mai, Ha Dong... recorded shaking. In Ho Chi Minh City, many residents in high-rise buildings in District 1, Phu Nhuan, District 11... also said they clearly felt their houses shaking and had to run outside.

Myanmar lies on the Sagaing Fault, an area of ​​strong seismic activity. According to the USGS, Myanmar recorded six earthquakes measuring over 7 on the Richter scale between 1930 and 1956. The most recent earthquake occurred in 2016 in the ancient capital of Bagan and measured 6.8 on the Richter scale, killing three people and destroying many historical monuments.

Experts warn that rapid urbanization, coupled with poor infrastructure and uncoordinated urban planning, is making Myanmar’s densely populated cities increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters. Myanmar’s health system is also overwhelmed, especially in rural areas.