By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – A strong earthquake rocked Myanmar and Thailand on Friday, causing widespread damage in the two Southeast Asian states.
The 7.7-magnitude tremor hit Sagaing in central Myanmar in the afternoon, the United States Geological Survey said, classifying the disaster under “red alert” status, indicating that it could result in high casualties and extensive damage requiring a national or international response.
Based on the latest update by the Philippine Embassies in Yangon and Bangkok, no Filipino was reported hurt from the tremor so far.
“The Embassy is closely monitoring developments and reports that there are currently no reports of damage or casualties from the approximately 811 registered Filipino nationals residing and working in Myanmar,” the Philippine Embassy in Yangon said.
Further updates on the safety and welfare of overseas Filipinos in Myanmar will be made available as developments arise, it added.
The Philippine mission in Bangkok reported the same and advised the 32,950 Filipinos in Thailand to remain calm and monitor updates from credible sources of information.
The powerful quake struck Thailand’s northern and central regions, including the capital Bangkok, at around 1:20 p.m.
“As of this time, there have been no reports of Filipinos harmed or affected by the earthquake,” said the embassy.
There is no verified number of fatalities in both states as of yet but international news wire AFP reported that in the aftermath of the powerful tremor, the quake has turned one major hospital in Myanmar into a “mass casualty area”.
In Bangkok, a 30-story skyscraper under construction collapsed and trapped more than 40 workers.
Filipinos in need of assistance in both countries, meanwhile, were advised to reach out at +66 81 989 7116/bangkok.pe@dfa.gov.ph (Thailand) and +95 998 521 0991 (Myanmar). (PNA
