Photo: BBC

A powerful earthquake has struck Myanmar, prompting the country`s military junta to declare a state of emergency in six regions. Authorities fear the death toll could exceed 100. Meanwhile, in Thailand`s capital, Bangkok, at least 70 workers went missing after a high-rise under construction collapsed due to the tremors.

The earthquake hit at 12:50 pm local time on Friday, March 28, causing widespread destruction. According to a BBC report, rescue teams are still working to assess the full extent of the casualties.

A member of a rescue team in Mandalay told the BBC that the devastation is severe, and the number of casualties is expected to rise significantly. While the official death count is still unknown, estimates suggest it could exceed 100.

According to Turkey`s Anadolu Agency, 26 bodies have been recovered so far, including 25 fatalities in Myanmar. Reports indicate that during Friday prayers, the Shwepho Shing Mosque in Mandalay collapsed, killing at least 20 worshippers. Additionally, a monastery in Taungoo City collapsed, leading to the deaths of at least five displaced children.

A rescue worker stated that at least three mosques collapsed, trapping many inside. The number of fatalities is expected to increase as rescue efforts continue.

The earthquake was also felt in Thailand, causing significant damage.

Thailand`s National Institute for Emergency Medicine reported that the number of missing workers from a 30-story under-construction building collapse has risen to 70, up from an earlier estimate of 43. At the time of the disaster, around 320 workers were on-site, and at least 20 were trapped in an elevator when the building collapsed.

Rescue teams are working around the clock, and an emergency field hospital has been set up at the site to treat the injured.

Myanmar`s Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, Bago, Eastern Shan State, and Naypyidaw regions have been placed under a state of emergency, according to local media. The junta government has stated that officials will assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts.

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck at 12:20 pm local time, with its epicenter located 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing. The affected area is approximately 100 kilometers north of Naypyidaw, the capital. Several aftershocks have been reported, adding to the destruction.