A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Burma on Friday March 28.
The magnitude of the quake was such that the tremors were felt as far away as Thailand, where they caused immense damage, as well as in China.
The quake occurred in central Burma, northwest of the town of Sagaing, the US Geological Survey (USGS) reported at around 2:20pm local time.
In the Burmese capital, Naypyidaw, roads were buckled by the tremors and pieces of ceiling fell from buildings.
Earthquakes are relatively frequent in Burma. Between 1930 and 1956, six earthquakes with a magnitude of 7 or more occurred near the Sagaing Fault. This fault crosses the center of the country from north to south.
In Thailand, Burma’s neighboring state, strong tremors were felt, causing scenes of panic. Many offices and stores had to be evacuated.
Aftershocks were even felt in China’s Yunnan province (south-west), according to the Chinese earthquake agency, which recorded a magnitude 7.9 tremor.