Myanmar hit by double earthquakes, aftershocks shake region, 10 dead

Myanmar was rocked by a powerful earthquake on Friday morning. Two powerful earthquakes hit the nation's Mandalay region minutes apart. The first earthquake struck at 11:50 am local time, the US Geological Survey (USGS) reported. The quake measured 7.2 on the Richter scale. The quake's epicenter was just 10 kilometers beneath the surface, making it even more intense.

Within a short while after the first tremor, another earthquake occurred at 12:02 pm. It was of magnitude 7. The earthquakes caused widespread damage to most places in Myanmar. At least 10 died when a mosque in Mandalay collapsed. Several others were injured and are said to be trapped under the rubble.

Aftershocks followed each other continuously since the earthquake.  There was an additional magnitude 5 aftershock at 12:57 pm, and it increased panic as well. 

Earthquake also affects Thailand

Not only Myanmar, the killer earthquake struck neighboring Thailand too. A Bangkok building that was under construction collapsed. It is feared that around 43 persons are trapped under the rubble. Metrorail trains in Bangkok have been stopped for safety reasons. The earthquake has also caused a tidal wave in large hotel swimming pools.

Earthquake felt in various regions of India

Myanmar earthquake also affected northeastern India. A quake was felt in West Bengal's regions like Kolkata, Howrah, North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas. At the same time, a low-intensity earthquake of magnitude 4 also hit the Garo Hills in Meghalaya.

Why is this earthquake so terrible?

This earthquake, say geologists, is a result of collision between the Indian and Burma plates.  The Indian plate is moving under the Burma plate gradually, for which tremendous amounts of energy are being accumulated under the earth.  This energy breaks out in the form of an earthquake.  Since the epicentre of this earthquake was very close to the ground surface, its impact has been much worse.

Indian Prime Minister expresses concern

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed concern over the worst scenario in Myanmar and Thailand. Expressing his sympathies to the victims, he has assured all possible assistance to the two countries. He has directed the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian embassies in Myanmar and Thailand to be ready.

The casualty count in this earthquake is also expected to rise further. The rescue operation is underway in full force, but the process is becoming increasingly complex due to frequent aftershocks.