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The death toll has risen to 3,600, with 5,017 injured and 160 still unaccounted for.
Five Chinese nationals were confirmed dead, 13 injured in the strong earthquake.
A 7.9-magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar at 2:20 pm on Friday, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC).
(Video by Yang Wanli in Bangkok)
The epicenter was monitored at 21.85 degrees north latitude and 95.95 degrees east longitude, with a depth of 30 kilometers, said CENC in an online post.
The tremors were strongly felt in the capital Naypyitaw and Myanmar's largest city of Yangon, Xinhua News Agency reported.
The quake was also felt across Thailand, with strong tremors reported in Bangkok. Tremors lasted for several minutes, prompting residents to evacuate high-rise buildings and gather in the streets, worsening traffic congestion in downtown Bangkok.
Bangkok police said a high-rise building under construction collapsed as a result of the earthquake. However, possible casualties remained unknown as of 2:40 pm.
Thailand's stock exchange said on Friday it is on full halt after the earthquake.
Reports showed the earthquake epicenter located 294 km from the nearest Chinese border. Strong tremors were reported in Southwest China's Yunnan province.
According to the CENC, the earthquake is the strongest detected in the world so far this year and the 17th earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 and above.
At 2:32 pm, another 6.4-magnitude earthquake was reported in Myanmar.
Contact the writers at kelly@chinadailyapac.com
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced on Friday a state of emergency in Bangkok, capital of Thailand, after a strong earthquake.
A 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar at 2:20 pm Friday (Beijing Time), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center.
Powerful tremors were felt in neighboring countries, including China and Thailand.
The State Audit building, which was under construction in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, completely collapsed due to earthquake tremors, according to Khaosod news portal.
Thailand's stock exchange suspended trading after the earthquake.
"Following the earthquake incident, the Stock Exchange of Thailand hereby announces the immediate suspension of all trading activities," the bourse operator said on its website.
"The closure affects all markets, including SET, the Market for Alternative Investment (MAI), and the Thailand Futures Exchange (TFEX), for today's afternoon session."
This reporter of China Daily in Bangkok, was having lunch when suddenly everything started shaking. The shake continued for a few seconds, paused briefly, and then resumed for another ten or more seconds. It was intense.
After running out to a parking lot nearby, Yang said she could see streetlight on an elevated expressway, which was about 100 meters away from her, shaking violently.
BEIJING -- A 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar at 2:20 pm Friday (Beijing Time), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center.
The epicenter was monitored at 21.85 degrees north latitude and 95.95 degrees east longitude. The quake struck at a depth of 30 km, said a report issued by the CENC.
