The US Geological Survey (USGS) has issued a red alert following the 8.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday. Earlier this morning, they forecast a death toll between 1,000 and 10,000.
According to the USGS website, the earthquake, with its epicentre near Mandalay, has been given a IX intensity rating, with violent shaking and heavy damage. “Red alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses,” the website explains. “High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread.
It added that “Past red alerts have required a national or international response”.
So far, three people have been reported to have been killed after a mosque in Myanmar partially collapsed. A member of a rescue team based in Mandalay, Myanmar, has said “the damage is enormous”.
“The number of deaths is also quite high. That’s all we can say right now because the rescue efforts are ongoing,” they told the BBC. “The exact number of casualties is not yet known, but it is at least in the hundreds.”
Dr Yan Naing at Mandalay Hospital also revealed that 19 people have died and at least 200 people are already at the hospital.
“There aren’t enough doctors and space,” he said.
Three people have also died in Bangkok the Thai defence minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, has confirmed. The fatalities were at the site where an under-construction high rise collapsed.
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