At least 144 people were killed in Myanmar following the powerful earthquake on Friday, destroying buildings, a bridge and a dam where photos and video from two hard-hit cities showed extensive damage. At least eight died in the Thai capital, where a high-rise under construction collapsed.
The 7.7 magnitude quake, with an epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar ‘s second largest city, struck at midday and was followed by a strong 6.4 magnitude aftershock.
The full extent of death, injury and destruction was not immediately clear — particularly in Myanmar, one of the world’s poorest countries. It is embroiled in a civil war and information is tightly controlled.
The head of Myanmar’s military government said in the televised speech on Friday evening that at least 144 people were killed and 730 others were injured.
“The death toll and injuries are expected to rise,” Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said.(AP News)
