The Myanmar Earthquake Measured 7.0

Earthquake Strikes Myanmar

25 March 2011

An earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale hit north-eastern Myanmar on Thursday night, 56 kilometres southeast of Kengtung near the Thai border. Its epicentre struck 10 kilometres deep, causing a jolt that travelled as far as the Thai capital, Bangkok nearly 800 kilometres away.

In Thailand, where several buildings were seen shaking, the meteorological department said it had registered six large aftershocks following the initial tremor.

No tsunami warning was issued in the aftermath as U.S. seismologists confirmed that the quake was too far inland to generate powerful waves in the Indian Ocean.

Asian Oasis, a major tour operator in the region, said that guests were required to stay in the open air until the quake had stopped to prevent any injuries.

A Myanmar government official, based in the town of Tachilek, told Reuters "The total death toll has now reached nearly 50 and the number of injured is about 40, while over 100 buildings were destroyed".


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