On Friday, Myanmar was jolted by intense earthquake tremors. The shocks were so severe that they were felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand's capital, recording a magnitude of 7.7 on the Richter scale.
The epicenter was located in Sagaing, Myanmar. The powerful quake reportedly led to the collapse of the popular Ava Bridge over the Irrawaddy River in Mandalay. There were even reports of tremors felt in certain regions of China and Taiwan.
Source: aajtak
Latest Earthquake Updates:
- The worst-hit was Mandalay in Myanmar, where numerous temples and Buddhist sites suffered damage.
Source: aajtak
- Bangladesh also experienced tremors, with a magnitude of 7.3 recorded.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the post-earthquake situation in Myanmar and Thailand, emphasizing prayers for everyone's safety. India stands ready to offer any necessary assistance, and has instructed its administration to remain vigilant while maintaining communication with the governments of Myanmar and Thailand. Prayers remain for everyone's safety.
- Lockdown in place at Thailand's airport, with flights canceled.
- The Prime Minister of Thailand has declared an emergency in Bangkok following the earthquake.
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- Several cities in both Thailand and Myanmar have witnessed building collapses.
- In Bangkok, a tower was razed, leaving dozens missing.
- Reports from the USGS indicate a possibility of thousands of fatalities.
- Meghalaya's Garo Hills also felt a 4.0 magnitude tremor.
- Numerous viral videos on social media depict skyscrapers swaying in response to the quake's force, with many buildings visibly tilting.
Beneath the earth lie seven tectonic plates in perpetual motion. Their clashes, friction, and drift cause the ground to shake, an event known as an earthquake. The Richter Scale measures these tremors, known as the Richter Magnitude Scale.
The Richter Magnitude Scale spans from 1 to 9. An earthquake's intensity is measured at its epicenter, assessing the energy released on this scale. A measure of 1 indicates low intensity, while 9 signals an immense and catastrophic wave, which weakens with distance. A reading of 7 on the Richter Scale can mean strong shocks within a 40-kilometer radius.
How Dangerous is Each Magnitude?
The Richter Scale gauges the danger level of an earthquake, where each level is ten times more treacherous than the previous one.
- Tremors with a magnitude of 0 to 1.9 can only be detected by a seismograph.
- A 2 to 2.9 magnitude can cause a light shudder.
- 3 to 3.9 feels like a passing truck.
- Shakes from 4 to 4.9 can crack windows and unhinge wall frames.
- A 5 to 5.9 earthquake might jolt furniture.
- Earthquakes measuring 6 to 6.9 can break building foundations, cause upper floors damage.
- 7 to 7.9 magnitude earthquakes can demolish buildings and rupture underground pipelines.
- An 8 to 8.9 could bring down large structures and bridges.
- Magnitudes of 9 or higher can be extremely destructive with potential tsunamis if near sea.
