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0Myanmar earthquake: USGS analysis projects thousands of deaths, economic loss
A powerful earthquake rattled Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand, trapping dozens of workers in a collapsed under-construction skyscraper in Bangkok where a state of emergency was declared.
The 7.7-magnitude tremor hit northwest of the city of Sagaing at a shallow depth, the United States Geological Survey said. A 6.4-magnitude aftershock hit the same area minutes later.
In the Thai capital, a 30-storey building under construction collapsed, trapping 43 workers, police and medics said. The massive building intended for government offices was reduced to a tangle of rubble and twisted metal in seconds, footage shared on social media showed.
A United States government predictive analysis based on the strength and depth of Friday's earthquake in Myanmar estimated there could be thousands of deaths and severe economic loss, with the Sagaing and Meiktila regions worst hit.
"Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though resistant structures exist," the analysis said.
"High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread," it said.
Myanmar's state-run MRTV put the death toll so far at at least 144 killed and 732 injured.