Myanmar Earthquake Kills Three, Damages Several Ancient Temples
Tremors were felt in West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, parts of other north-eastern states of India as well as Bangladesh.
A powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Wednesday at around 4: 10 pm IST, killing at least three people and damaging several ancient temples and pagodas in the ancient city of Bagan, officials said.
At least three people including two children have been killed.
Tremors were felt in West Bengal, Bihar, Assam and other Northeastern states. Mild tremors were felt in Northern India as well.
Metro services were temporarily suspended in Kolkata.
According to European Mediterranean Seismological Centre, earthquake tremors of magnitude of around 7 was felt 190 km SW of Mandalay in Myanmar at 91km depth.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) estimated that the quake’s impact would be “relatively localised” but noted that many buildings in the region are “highly vulnerable” to shaking.
The earthquake caused high-rise buildings in Myanmar’s largest city Yangon to sway, as well as those in the Thai capital Bangkok.
The quake was also felt throughout south and southwestern Bangladesh close to the border with Myanmar, with television footage showing residents running outside.
At least 20 people were injured as workers tried to flee a building in the industrial area of Savar outside Dhaka, ATN Bangla television reported.
Earthquakes are relatively common in Myanmar, although the country has not suffered a major one since 2012.
(With agency inputs.)
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