The death toll from Friday’s earthquake in Myanmar has risen to 694 people, and another 1,670 people were injured, the government said in an official statement following Prime Minister Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to the hardest-hit region.
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The day before, 144 deaths were reported.
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“The death toll from the powerful earthquake in Myanmar has increased to 694 people, 1,670 people have been injured,” the statement said.
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The Prime Minister also instructed the government and the authorities of the areas affected by the earthquake to conduct search and rescue operations and take other necessary measures to eliminate the consequences of the disaster.
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An earthquake of magnitude 7.7 occurred on Friday in Myanmar, 12 kilometers from the city of Sagaing. The hearth was located at a depth of ten kilometers. The tremors were also felt in neighboring countries: Bangladesh, India, Thailand, Laos and China.
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Local residents also reported that telephone lines had failed in many places and electricity supply had been cut off.
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The National Disaster Management Committee has declared a state of emergency in the Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, Bago, northeastern Shan State and Naypyidaw County regions.
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Thai authorities have declared a state of emergency in Bangkok. According to the latest data, the death toll from the earthquake in the country’s capital has reached five people, 117 people are considered missing.