A major 7.7 magnitude earthquake that originated near Mandalay, Myanmar shook the Earth as far as Bangkok. Two hard-hit cities in Myanmar suffered extensive damage.

A major, 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck in Myanmar on Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey. At a depth of about six miles, the quake was relatively shallow, which made it likely to cause violent shaking.

Rescue personnel search for casualties at the site of a building that collapsed after a strong earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, earthquake monitoring services