Thousands of people across Myanmar and Thailand are feared dead after powerful earthquakes resulted in the collapse of buildings and bridges.
Search efforts are under way in both countries as rescuers dig through rubble to find survivors following the devastating impact.
Officials are yet to confirm how many people have been killed but earthquake experts say the power and scale of the tremors may result in up to 10,000 deaths.
An initial earthquake of 7.7 magnitude struck in central Myanmar around 1:30pm local time on Friday (6:30am UK time) before another quake measuring 6.4 soon followed.
Several states of emergencies are in place across Myanmar while Bangkok has also been designated a disaster area after 30-storey building collapsed with dozens of construction workers inside it.
Rescue efforts are taking place across Myanmar and Thailand following a series of powerful earthquakes which have wreaked destruction in both countries.
Hotels, temples, homes and bridges have collapsed, roads have buckled and new fears of flooding have emerged as a result of damage to dams.
Here’s the latest key information:
• The total number of deaths is expected to be thousands owing to the power and scale of Myanamr’s 7.7-magnitude quake.
• Thailand’s prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has urged the public to remain vigilant as she warns aftershocks could follow.
• All schools have been closed in Thailand while authorities assess the damage with locals describing the tremors as the strongest they have felt.
• Search and rescue efforts are under way in both countries including in Bangkok where 81 construction workers remain trapped following the collapse of an unfinished high-storey building
Amnesty International has called for Myanmar’s military junta to allow ‘unimpeded access’ to the country amid previous criticism aid has been blocked since the 2021 coup.
Thai PM – Situation is ‘starting to ease’
Thailand’s prime minister has said the situation in the country is ‘starting to ease’ and people can safely return indoors.
After a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar toppled a high-rise building in Bangkok, PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra urged people to seek open spaces and avoid lifts.
Now, the danger posed by the quake appears to have eased slightly.
‘It is now safe for everyone to return to their accommodations,’ she said in a statement.
‘The buildings with issues are those under construction, where both structural integrity and wall stability are concerns.’
Shinawatra said that around 12 aftershocks have been felt since the quake but there is no risk of a tsunami as it occured far enough inland.
‘We want to reassure the public that the aftershocks following this event will not pose a significant threat.
‘Residents of high-rise buildings that sustained minor damage can safely return to their residences.”
Pope Francis sends condolences to earthquake victims
Pope Francis has sent his condolences to earthquake victims as he offered prayers for those who have died which it is feared could be thousands.
In a telegram published by the Vatican, Francis said he was ‘deeply saddened by the loss of life and widespread devastation’ caused by the earthquake in Myanmar.
It comes as the 88-year-old recovers at home from five weeks in hospital with life-threatening double pneumonia
The pontiff also sent a telegram to express his concern and prayers following South Korea’s worst-ever wildfires.
Two Myanmar airports to close after earthquake damages runways
Two airports in Myanmar are to close after runways were damaged by the earthquake, while an air traffic control tower at one of them has reportedly collapsed.
Local media are reporting Nay Pyi Taw International Airport has shut indefinitely after the tower collapsed killing five airport staff.
The runway was also said to have cracked following the powerful quakes .
Elsehwere, Mandalay Airport is expected to remain closed for around three months to allow repairs to its runway after it was also damaged by tremors.
A Boeing plane and one jet are said to be stranded at the airport.
A military source told the Yangon Times: ‘The temporary closure is expected to last for three months. It could take longer if repairs are not completed. We haven’t heard anything from Yangon.’
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