Photos and accounts are slowly coming in from Myanmar, which has been facing a civil war since 2021.
The state controls almost all of local radio, television, print and online media. Internet use is also restricted.
Early reports in Myanmar indicate extensive damage. In the city of Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, large parts of the walls of the old city compound are seen to have collapsed.
Speaking to Reuters, an officer from the Myanmar Fire Services Department said: “We have started the search and going around Yangon to check for casualties and damage. So far, we have no information yet.”
The earthquake originated northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar. A 6.4 magnitude aftershock was felt around 12 minutes later near Mandalay, the USGS added.