7.7 magnitude earthquake strikes Burma, shaking Southeast Asia

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Burma (Myanmar) on Friday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

The epicenter of the quake was located 10 miles northwest of the town of Sagaing, at a depth of six miles, at around 12H50 local time (06H20 GMT), the USGS said.

Earthquake hit all of Southeast Asia: evacuations in Bangkok

Residents of Bangkok evacuated offices and stores on Friday because of the strong shaking caused by the earthquake recorded in central Burma, about 600 miles from the Thai capital.

The tremor was also felt in northern Thailand, where the tourist resort of Chiang Mai is located. "I heard it and was sleeping at home. I ran as far away from the building as I could in my pajamas," Duangjai, a resident of that city, told AFP.

Thailand's prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, called an "emergency meeting" Friday following the powerful earthquake, according to post on X.

Early reports warn that more than 40 workers were trapped after a skyscraper under construction in Bangkok collapsed following the quake, medical sources reported to AFP.

Tremors recorded in Yunnan province, southwest China

Tremors were felt as far away as China's Yunnan province in southwest China, the national seismological agency reported.

The China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) reported that the tremors "were felt in Yunnan."

Earthquake in Burma leaves at least 144 dead and 732 injured

At least 144 people have died in Burma following the violent earthquake that struck the country on Friday, according to the head of the ruling junta. In a recent assessment, he invited “any country, any organization” to provide assistance.

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake caused widespread destruction across the war-torn country, and the death toll is expected to rise, leader Min Aung Hlaing said in a speech broadcast on state media.