Thailand earthquake rescuers search for 81 in collapsed Bangkok high rise

A major search and rescue operation is underway in Bangkok after a 7.7 earthquake struck Myanmar, with the impact rocking Thailand’s capital.

Myanmar has declared a state of emergency after the earthquake rocked the nation and rippled out to other nearby countries earlier this morning.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said a 7.7 magnitude earthquake had struck central Myanmar at a depth of 6.2 miles just before 1pm local time (6:20 GMT).

The epicentre of the disaster was about 10.6 miles from the city of Mandalay, which has a population about 1.2 million, according to USGS.

State media in Myanmar has said the earthquake has left at least three dead and major infrastructure damage, while a doctor told news agency Afp that around 20 people have died at a major hospital in Myanmar’s capital at Naypyidaw.

The Thai deputy prime minister said work is underway to free 81 people trapped in the rubble of a collapsed high rise in Bangkok, while three have been killed.