A massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake rocked central Myanmar on Friday afternoon, sending strong tremors across northern Thailand and parts of China. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the epicentre was located 16 km northwest of Sagaing city, approximately 250 km from the capital Naypyidaw, at a shallow depth of 10 km. The main quake was followed by a significant 6.8-magnitude aftershock.

Despite the scale of the quake, no tsunami warning has been issued so far. As of now, no official reports of casualties have been confirmed.

Tremors shake Bangkok and Yunnan

The quake’s impact extended beyond Myanmar. In Thailand, tremors prompted suspension of metro and rail services in Bangkok, while visuals of buildings swaying and people rushing into the streets went viral on social media. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has reportedly called for an urgent review meeting to assess the situation.

In China’s Yunnan province, tremors were also felt, with China Earthquake Networks Center measuring the jolt at magnitude 7.9, differing slightly from USGS readings.

Viral videos capture panic and destruction

Social media platforms were flooded with terrifying footage from across affected regions. One viral video showed an infinity pool overflowing, cascading water down its side, while another clip captured water in a residential pool forming mini-tsunamis. A particularly alarming video showed a skyscraper under construction collapsing entirely.

According to open source monitoring on social media, at least 40 workers are reported missing in connection with the collapse, though this is yet to be officially verified.

Damage reported in Myanmar

While full details of the damage within Myanmar are still emerging, there are initial reports of structural collapses, including the old Sagaing Bridge over the Irrawaddy River and some residential buildings. In Mandalay, roughly 24 km from Sagaing, visuals suggest people may be trapped under debris.

Myanmar lies along the Sagaing Fault, a tectonic boundary responsible for several major quakes in the past. Between 1930 and 1956, at least six earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or higher struck the region. The last major tremor in 2016 claimed three lives in Bagan and damaged ancient temples.

The quake has raised concerns over Myanmar’s limited emergency response capabilities, especially given the strained medical infrastructure in rural and conflict-affected areas.

On Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov revealed that arrangements are being made for President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India. Lavrov stated, as per the reports, that “President Vladimir Putin has accepted an invitation to visit from the Indian Prime Minister,” affirming that preparations for this significant visit are currently underway.

During the announcement, Lavrov highlighted the diplomatic ties between the two nations, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made his first foreign trip to Russia after his re-election last year. “Now it’s our turn,” Lavrov remarked, underscoring the reciprocal nature of the visits between the leaders of both countries.

These comments were made during a video address at a conference hosted by the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), which focused on the theme “Russia and India: Toward a New Bilateral Agenda.” Although the specific dates for President Putin’s visit have not yet been disclosed, the discussions signal a continued commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

Earlier in February, there were indications from Tass that Prime Minister Modi might visit Moscow to attend the annual military parade at Red Square, commemorating the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. However, sources familiar with the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity, informed the Hindustan Times that while an invitation had been extended to Modi, an official visit was not being planned at that time.

In July 2024, Modi made a significant trip to Russia, marking his first visit in almost five years, during which he invited President Putin to India. This forthcoming visit will be particularly noteworthy as it will be Putin’s first trip to India since December 2021, when he participated in an annual summit.

It will also be his first official visit since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022. The evolving diplomatic landscape between Russia and India continues to attract attention as both nations seek to enhance their strategic partnership.

In a rare and bold display of public dissent, thousands of Palestinians took to the streets of northern Gaza on Tuesday, staging what is being described as the largest anti-Hamas protest since the outbreak of the war in October 2023. The demonstrations unfolded in Beit Lahia, where crowds were seen chanting slogans such as “For god’s sake, Hamas out,” “Hamas terrorists,” and “We want an end to the war.”

The scale of the protest, captured in video footage verified by a journalist present in the area, highlights a growing frustration among civilians as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens. The death toll has now crossed 50,000, according to Gaza’s health ministry, with the enclave devastated by sustained military action and blockade.

A circulating social media message also called for nine separate protests across Gaza on Wednesday, encouraging citizens to make their voices heard. The message urged, “Let them hear your voice, let them know that Gaza is not silent, and that there is a people who will not accept to be eradicated.” The origin of the message has not been independently verified.

Since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007 following a civil conflict with the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority, the group has faced sporadic internal criticism. However, public demonstrations of this magnitude are rare, especially amid an active conflict.

The protest comes at a time when northern Gaza is virtually cut off. Following the collapse of ceasefire talks earlier this month, Israel announced it was suspending all humanitarian aid to the enclave. UNRWA reported that no food, water, medicine, or fuel had entered Gaza in three weeks, warning of an impending acute hunger crisis.

Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of diverting humanitarian aid to serve its military operations—allegations the group denies.

With infrastructure in ruins and the population relying almost entirely on international assistance, the protests underline growing public anger over both the war and Hamas’ governance during this crisis.