Magnitude 6.9 quake hits Myanmar

MANILA, Philippines (3RD UPDATE) – The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that a magnitude 6.9 earthquake hit Myanmar on Wednesday, April 13, at approximately 9:55 pm, Manila time.

The quake struck at a depth of 134 kilometers, and was located some 396 kilometers north-northwest of Myanmar’s capital, Naypyidaw.

Tremors were also felt around the region, including in neighboring India and China.

Much of Myanmar’s outlying provinces have poor communications infrastructure, including the area where the earthquake hit.

However there were no immediate reports of casualties. 

A lawmaker from Mawlite in Sagaing region, some 100 kilometers away from the epicenter, told AFP she felt rough tremors that lasted for several minutes.

“There may be some destruction and damage. But it’s difficult to know the [extent] of destruction at night time,” Cho Cho Win said, adding that the town does not have many high rise buildings.

Tin Nyo, 67, from Minkin, also in Sagaing, said it was the strongest earthquake she had ever felt.

“I have never experienced that kind of big earthquake in my lifetime. Although it happened over a short period, it was really rough,” she told AFP.

Tremors in neighboring countries

In neighboring India, tremors were felt in the northeastern cities of Kolkata, Shillong, Guwahati and Patna.

In Kolkata, one of India’s biggest cities, people spilled out of their houses onto the streets, an AFP reporter said.

“I was inside, working and then suddenly I felt the ground shaking,” local resident Chiranjeet Ghosh told television news channels.

“People started yelling ‘something is happening, let’s get out!’ and we immediately rushed out. 

“I came out and saw that everyone else around here had already evacuated their homes and poured onto the streets.”

Residents in Kolkata also reported seeing cracks appearing in buildings following the quake, while the city’s metro was suspended for a few minutes. 

Chinese official news agency Xinhua said strong tremors were felt in Tibet. 

“Xinhua reporters said strong tremors, lasting for about a minute, were felt in Lhasa, the regional capital,” the agency said.

“Some residents were seen rushing out of their houses for safety.” – with reports from Agence France-Presse/Rappler.com