A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck Sagaing Region in northwestern Myanmar today. Tremors were felt across several towns, including Sagaing, Mandalay, Kyaukse, Pyin Oo Lwin, and Shwebo in upper Myanmar.
The United States Geological Survey reports that the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.7, with its epicenter located near Sagaing, approximately 10 miles south-southeast of Sagaing, and 10.7 miles east-southeast of Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. The area is already severely affected by ongoing civil conflict between resistance groups and the junta forces.
Witnesses told Myanmar Now on Tuesday that parts of the historic Mandalay Palace in Mandalay were severely damaged. At the same time, a bridge in Sagaing Township was completely destroyed in the quake.
“A fire is breaking out in our neighborhood and many people are injured and some are feared dead,” a resident in Mandalay told Myanmar Now.
Sources say hospitals across Mandalay, Sagaing, and Naypyitaw are rapidly filling up with survivors. And a statement from a junta spokesperson released today says there is a growing number of injured nationwide, leaving an increased demand for emergency blood supplies.
Several high-rise buildings in Mandalay have collapsed, according to locals. There are growing fears that residents may be trapped in the damaged structures.
Sources say that a fire has broken out at Mandalay University, and multiple archaeological sites across both Sagaing and Mandalay have been damaged due to the quake.
At the 1,000 Bed Naypyitaw General Hospital—the biggest public hospital in the capital— numerous injured are being treated outside in the street due to overcrowding.
Other nearby towns, such as Kyaukse, Pyin Oo Lwin, and Shwebo, have also reported significant tremors, with local populations ranging from 50,480 in Kyaukse, to 117,303 in Pyin Oo Lwin.
Myanmar is situated along the Sagaing Fault, a major geological fault line that runs through several regions, including Mandalay. This fault has a history of significant seismic activity, making areas along its path particularly susceptible to earthquakes.
The earthquake was also felt in Yangon and Naypyitaw, the administrative capital of the ruling military junta. Footage from social media shows fallen buildings across the city, including at Thabyagygone market.
In response to the crisis, the military has declared Mandalay, Sagaing, Naypyidaw, Magway, Bago regions as well as northeastern Shan State under a state of emergency.
In the aftermath, several official websites controlled by the junta have gone offline since the quake struck. Local media report that junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has visited the hospital to supervise the junta’s emergency response. At the same time, the junta has ordered that all airports in Mandalay and Naypyitaw close with all flights cancelled.
The tremors were felt in neighboring countries, including Thailand, India, and China. The full extent of the damage and the number of casualties are still being assessed as the situation develops.
General Zaw Min Tun, the junta spokesperson, asked local hospitals to ratchet up their operations during this critical moment.
“I urge blood donors in Mandalay, Naypyitaw, and Sagaing regions to contact local hospitals as soon as possible to offer their support and help save lives.”
