A shallow earthquake of magnitude 6.8 has occurred in Myanmar, near the border with Thailand. The Unites States Geological Survey (USGS) has reported a fixed focal depth of 6.2 miles and an epicentral location of 55 miles north of Chiang Rai, Thailand, 104 miles south-southwest of Yunjinghong, Yunnan, China and approximately 590 miles northeast of Rangoon, Myanmar.

The USGS ShakeMap shows the area close to the epicenter to have experienced ‘severe’ to ‘violent’ shaking of intensity VIII-IX on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale, where the potential for damage to structures is moderate to heavy, though this area is sparsely populated. The USGS PAGER system estimates the population exposed to such shaking at 80,000. Approximately 580,000 people were exposed to intensity VI-VII shaking, according to the USGS PAGER system, where the potential for damage to structures ranges from light to moderately heavy. The earthquake was felt as far away as Bangkok, Thailand and Hanoi, Vietnam.

Initial reports from cat analysts at RMS indicate that close to 250 houses were damaged in Myanmar, along with 14 Buddhist monasteries, and nine government buildings. Myanmar state radio has reported 65 deaths and a 111 injured by the earthquake. The worst affected area is reported to be the town of Tachileik and the surrounding areas in Shan state.

Infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, have also been damaged, and there are reports of silt deposits as a result of liquefaction. The full extent of damage from the earthquake is not yet known, as damaged roads are hindering access to the worst affected areas in Myanmar.

In neighboring Thailand, there are initial reports of damaged buildings and rice paddies from Chaengsaen to Mae Sai, with damaged buildings, one fatality and numerous injures being reported Chiang Rai.

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