Powerful earthquake hits Thailand and Myanmar, over 150 dead

Mandalay: An earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck Thailand and neighboring Myanmar this afternoon, killing more than 150 people and injuring over 750 in both countries.

The epicenter was near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. A second tremor of magnitude 6.4 followed the main quake.

Myanmar has declared a state of emergency in six regions and states. The Red Cross said relief efforts were hindered by power outages.

In Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, a multi-storey building under construction collapsed. Defence Minister Phumtham Vechayachai said three people were killed and 90 others remain missing.