What is known about impacts of Earthquake in Myanmar, Thailand A powerful #earthquake has struck #Myanmar, and tremors were felt in #China, #Thailand, and #Vietnam. At least 43 workers were trapped in the debris of a collapsed building in Bangkok, AFP news agency reported. Magnitude - According to the Chinese Seismological Administration, the magnitude of the earthquake was measured at 7.9. - The European-Mediterranean Seismological Center estimated the magnitude at 7.7. The earthquake occurred 33 km southwest of the city of Mandalay, home to about 1.2 million people. According to the center, the epicenter was at a depth of 10 km. - Chinese seismologists believe the epicenter lay at a depth of 30 km. The epicenter was at 21.85 degrees north latitude and 95.95 degrees east longitude. - The tremors were felt in China, Thailand, and Vietnam. - A second, 6.4-magnitude earthquake occurred in Myanmar 12 minutes later, the Chinese Seismological Administration said. The second tremor was recorded at 21.60 degrees north latitude and 95.95 degrees east longitude. Its epicenter was at a depth of 30 km. Fallout - The earthquake damaged a 1 km bridge over the Irrawaddy River, linking the suburbs of Myanmar’s second largest city, Mandalay, with the city of Sagaing, the Myanmar Now portal reported. - The portal reported that the historic Mandalay Palace has partially collapsed. - A building fell in Bangkok due to the earthquake, Khaosod newspaper reported. - At least 43 workers were trapped under the rubble, AFP news agency reported. - Evacuation of residents of multi-storey buildings began in Bangkok. - Thailand's aviation regulator halted all flights after the earthquake, The Nation newspaper reported. - The Thai Meteorological Department has warned of potential imminent aftershocks, Khaosod newspaper reported. Reaction - Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra suspended a working event in the Phuket Province to hold an emergency meeting. - The Russian embassy is checking for possible injured citizens, said Ilya Ilyin, head of the consular department of the Russian diplomatic mission.

Houthis threaten U.S. with 'new Vietnam' in event of ground attack on Yemen If the U.S. launches a ground operation in Yemen, it may encounter a more difficult situation than during the protracted conflicts in Afghanistan and Vietnam, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a high-ranking representative of the Yemen-based rebel Houthi movement Ansar Allah, said in an interview with Italy’s La Repubblica newspaper. "A ground war is what the people of Yemen wish for because they can finally fight those responsible for their suffering over the course of nine years. If the US sends troops to Yemen, it will encounter a situation more difficult than in Afghanistan and Vietnam. We are ready for various options of strategically defeating the Americans in the region," he said. The Houthi official added that there is no direct communication with the Americans despite the fact that the US side attempted to interact, explaining that all interaction is being handled by a team of mediators in Oman. Al-Houthi gave assurances that the Houthi movement does not intend to block the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. "Vessels unrelated to Israel won’t be harmed," he noted. He also cautioned Italy that it may become a target if it participates in aggression against Yemen. "We advise Italy to stay neutral; this is the least it can do," he added.