Magnitude 6.8 earthquake hits Myanmar
On March 28, a shallow magnitude 6.8 earthquake occurred in Myanmar, near the border with Thailand.
RMS said approximately 580,000 people were exposed to intensity VI-VII shaking, according to the USGS PAGER system, where the potential for damage to structures ranges from light to moderately heavy.
The earthquake was felt as far away as Bangkok, Thailand and Hanoi, Vietnam.
Initial reports from Myanmar indicate that close to 250 houses were damaged by the earthquake, along with 14 Buddhist monasteries and 9 government buildings. Myanmar state radio has reported 65 deaths and a further 111 injured by the earthquake. The worst affected area is reported to be the town of Tachileik and surrounding areas in Shan state.
The magnitude 6.8 earthquake in Myanmar (green) was felt in parts of China, Thailand and Vietnam. (Click to enlarge)
RMS said infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, has also been damaged, and there are reports of silt deposits as a result of liquefaction. The full extent of damage from the earthquake is not yet known, as damaged roads are hindering access to the worst affected areas in Myanmar. In neighboring Thailand, there are initial reports of damaged buildings and rice paddies from Chaengsaen to Mae Sai, with damaged buildings, one fatality and numerous injures being reported Chiang Rai.
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is home to more than 55 million people. It borders China, Laos, Thailand, Bangladesh and India.
