A powerful and extended tremor was experienced by the inhabitants of Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, on Friday. The vibrations were so strong that buildings swayed, leading to the evacuation of shops and offices.

According to Germany’s GFZ for geosciences, the earthquake had a preliminary reported magnitude of 7.3 and its epicenter was located in neighboring Myanmar. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).

In contrast, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damages. However, witnesses recounted how people rushed out into the streets of Bangkok after feeling the tremors. Some Metro and light rail lines were temporarily suspended due to the quake.

A resident of Chiang Mai, Duangjai, shared her experience with the French AFP news agency, saying she ran out of her building in her pajamas.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra interrupted her official visit to Phuket to hold an urgent meeting.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) northwest of Sagaing in Myanmar at around 12:50 p.m. local time (0620 GMT/UTC).

In Sagaing, roads were deformed due to the intensity of the earthquake, with parts of ceilings collapsing from buildings. According to an officer from the Myanmar Fire Services Department, a search and rescue operation was underway to check for casualties and damages.

Apart from Thailand, the tremors were also felt in China’s southwest Yunnan province, with Beijing’s quake agency measuring the intensity at 7.9.

Please note that this is a developing story, and updates will be provided.

Edited by: Sean Sinico.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/powerful-earthquake-hits-myanmar-felt-in-bangkok/a-72065550?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf