Yangon: A state of emergency has been declared in six regions and states in Myanmar following a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake, according to state-run MRTV television. The epicentre of the quake was located near the country’s second-largest city, Mandalay.

The military-run government’s proclamation includes the capital, Naypyitaw, and Mandalay, following the earthquake and a strong aftershock that struck around midday.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the epicentre was situated 16 kilometres (10 miles) northwest of Sagaing city, at a depth of 10 kilometres. The tremors were strong enough to be felt in neighbouring countries, including south-west China and Thailand.

Casualties and damage

Casualty figures remain uncertain, but local media have reported at least 20 deaths in Myanmar. Reports indicate that a mosque in Mandalay collapsed while people were praying inside, leading to fatalities. A university building in the city also caught fire, while a 1,000-bed hospital in Naypyitaw has been designated a "mass casualty area", according to news agency AFP.

The earthquake struck near Mandalay, a city home to around 1.5 million people. Twelve minutes after the initial quake, a second tremor, measuring 6.4 in magnitude, was recorded with an epicentre 18 kilometres (11.1 miles) south of Sagaing, according to USGS data.

Videos circulating on social media depict the extent of the quake’s impact, including one particularly alarming clip showing water cascading from an infinity pool.

Regional impact and responses

Tremors were felt as far away as northern Thailand, where some metro and rail services were suspended in Bangkok. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra convened an urgent meeting to assess the crisis and declared a state of emergency in the capital city.

In China’s Yunnan province, authorities reported strong tremors, with the China Earthquake Networks Center estimating the quake’s magnitude at 7.9. Mild tremors were also felt in Kolkata and Manipur in India, where a 4.4 magnitude quake was recorded, as well as in Dhaka and Chattogram in Bangladesh.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern on X, formerly Twitter, saying, “Praying for the safety and wellbeing of everyone... have asked our authorities to be on standby.” He also indicated India’s readiness to provide any necessary assistance.

France said on Friday it stood ready to provide support after a powerful earthquake hit Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand, adding that its diplomatic premises in the Thai capital had been evacuated.

"We are ready to provide support as soon as the need has been expressed and we have evacuated our premises in Bangkok to guard against any form of risk," said Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who was in Shanghai on Friday, referring to the French embassy, schools, and other buildings.

The disaster comes amid a civil war in Myanmar, complicating relief efforts in many areas that remain difficult to access. The military government has appealed for international assistance as the scale of the damage becomes clearer.

(With inputs from agencies)