A powerful earthquake struck early in the morning, shaking parts of Myanmar, southern China, and northern Thailand.
The quake measured magnitude 7.7 and occurred around 3:42 a.m. local time, causing widespread alarm across the region.
Its epicenter was in a mountainous area near the Myanmar–China border close to Yunnan province.
Because the quake was shallow, its surface impact was stronger, increasing damage in nearby towns and rural communities.
In Myanmar, the city of Lashio was among the hardest hit, with buildings collapsing while residents were asleep.
Emergency teams rushed in to search through rubble as casualties and injuries quickly mounted.
Authorities declared a state of emergency in several regions.
