The powerful earthquake, which had its epicenter in central Myanmar about 13 miles from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, struck around 12:50 p.m. local time, the New York Times reported. It was followed by several tremors, including a 6.4 magnitude aftershock which occurred just 11 minutes later.

Thousands of people in Myanmar may need urgent shelter, food and medical help, according to the International Rescue Committee's Myanmar director, Mohamed Riyas. He says it could be weeks before the full extent of the earthquake damage is known,

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday causing mass destruction. More than 1600 people are dead and authorities expect that number to rise.

Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government, which coordinates the popular struggle against the ruling military, announced Saturday a unilateral partial ceasefire Saturday night to facilitate earthquake relief efforts.