7.6 Magnitude Quake Strikes Myanmar Near Mandalay: 3 Dead, Damage Across Region

Yangon/Mandalay, February 3 (TNA) A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake rocked central Myanmar near Mandalay at 11:55 AM local time (7:25 AM IST), killing at least three people, injuring dozens, and causing widespread structural damage in a country still reeling from civil war and last year's devastation.

The USGS epicentre was 17 km SSE of Mandalay at a depth of 10 km, with shaking felt in Thailand, India (Imphal/Manipur), and China; a shallow 6.9 aftershock followed. Initial reports from state media confirm three fatalities in Mandalay, with collapsed buildings, cracked roads, and power outages; Mandalay airport suspended operations.

Tremors were felt in Bangladesh and Kolkata, too, according to initial reports. No damage to property or loss of life has, however been reported in India.