26 March,2011 06:26 AM IST | | Agencies
A powerful earthquake that toppled homes in northeastern Myanmar has killed more than 70 people, and there were fears the toll would mount as conditions in more remote areas became known. The Thursday night quake, measured at magnitude 6.8 by the US Geological Survey, was centered just north of Tachileik town in Shan State near the Thai border. It was felt hundreds of miles (kilometers) away in the Thai capital, Bangkok, and Vietnamese capital, Hanoi.
Beyond repair: Residents sift through the rubble of a destroyed house
a day after the earthquake struck the area. Pic/AFP
Myanmar state radio announced yesterday that 74 people had been killed and 111 injured in the quake, but was updating the total frequently. It said 390 houses, 14 Buddhist monasteries and nine government buildings were damaged. In Mae Sai, one woman was killed when a wall fell on her, according to Thai police, but damage was otherwise minimal.
The second UN official said medicine would be sent to the affected areas as soon as possible along with an assessment team in cooperation with the Myanmar Red Cross Society.World Vision said it would provide 250 households with basic necessities, such as food and water. "We are worried that the area might be hit with stronger quakes. There was another quake at 7 am this morning," said Somsri Meethong of the Mae Sai District office, referring to a 4.9 aftershock. "I had to run again like last night. What we have seen on TV about Japan added to our fear."
Aftershocks
An aftershock, an estimated magnitude of 5.5, rattled Thailand yesterday but caused limited damage, although residents living close to the epicentre were advised to leave their homes.
