A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, sending tremors across neighbouring Bangladesh, including the capital Dhaka, local media reported. The earthquake was recorded at 12.25pm (local time), the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) reported. The epicentre was located in Mandalay, Myanmar, about 597 kilometres from Dhaka.
Md Rubayat Kabir, acting officer at the Earthquake Observation and Research Centre, confirmed the details, as per Prothom Alo. The USGS also reported that the epicentre was 16 kilometres north-northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar, at a depth of 10 kilometres. A strong aftershock measuring 6.4 followed shortly after.
The tremors caused panic in several Bangladeshi cities, with people rushing out of buildings. While there were no immediate reports of casualties in Bangladesh, authorities remained on alert for possible aftershocks.
In Myanmar, the quake caused significant damage, particularly in Mandalay, where part of the historic former royal palace was affected. In the Sagaing region, a 90-year-old bridge collapsed, and roads connecting Mandalay and Yangon suffered damage. Myanmar’s capital Naypyitaw also saw destruction, including damage to religious shrines and homes.
The tremors were felt as far as Thailand, where a high-rise under construction in Bangkok collapsed. Thai authorities are assessing the impact, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra convening an emergency meeting.