A powerful earthquake struck Southeast Asia, with tremors recorded by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake was strongly felt in northern Thailand, particularly in the cities of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, where reports of mass evacuations quickly followed.
Myanmar has borne the brunt of the disaster. Authorities there have declared a state of emergency across several regions after confirming at least 48 deaths and more than 300 injuries. Officials fear the toll will rise, with dozens still missing.
In the city of Lashio, entire buildings crumbled under the force of the quake. Streets are filled with debris, and families have been forced to abandon their homes. Emergency crews are working against time, combing through rubble in hopes of pulling out survivors.
“We heard a loud noise, and suddenly everything started shaking. The walls cracked, the ground moved like waves,” recalled Myo Thant, a resident who escaped with his family just before their home collapsed.