The death toll from the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has risen to 1,000, with 1,670 people injured, according to the country’s military government. These numbers are just for the Mandalay region, which is near the earthquake’s epicenter.
The military also reported that 68 people are still missing in Mandalay. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has warned that the death toll could reach over 10,000, based on their early predictions. The USGS has issued a red alert, meaning there are expected to be many casualties and severe damage.
Myanmar’s military government has asked for international help after the powerful earthquake struck on Friday. Tremors were felt in rural villages in the middle of Myanmar’s civil war, as well as in the tall buildings of Bangkok, Thailand. The shaking was even felt across the border in China’s Yunnan province.
Since the 7.7-magnitude earthquake on Friday, Myanmar has experienced at least 14 aftershocks, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). Most of these aftershocks happened a few hours after the main earthquake, and their magnitudes ranged from 3 to 5. The strongest aftershock was a 6.7 magnitude tremor, which hit about 10 minutes after the main earthquake.
Two strong aftershocks, one with a magnitude of 4.9 and another with a 6.7 magnitude, occurred about 20 miles from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, which was heavily damaged. Other aftershocks were felt to the north and south of the main earthquake.
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