Sunday, November 11, 2012

Burma rocked by strong earthquake, residents panic


A strong earthquake has rocked central Burma, causing panic among terrified residents in the affected area.

The 6.6-magnitude quake hit some 120km (70 miles) north of Mandalay, at a depth of just 10km, the US Geological Survey said.

The tremor - which was felt as far away as Bangkok in neighbouring Thailand - was followed by two strong aftershocks.

There were no immediate reports of any injuries or damage. Earthquakes are relatively common in Burma.

The earthquake hit at 07:42 local time (01:12 GMT), the US Geological Survey said.

It issued a yellow alert, indicating that "some casualties and damage are possible".

"I ran from my bed carrying my daughter out to the street. There were many people in the road. Some were shouting and others felt dizzy," Mandalay resident San Yu Kyaw told the AFP news agency.

"People are now scared of more earthquakes," he added.

In March 2011, at least 75 people died when a powerful earthquake hit Burma near the borders with Laos and Thailand.-British Broadcasting Corporation (November 11, 2012 04:19GMT)

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