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The US Geological Survey (USGS) has issued a red warning in response to the 8.2-magnitude earthquake that rocked Myanmar on Friday and the subsequent severe 6.4-magnitude aftershock that slammed the country about 12 minutes later. Earlier this morning, the organization said that the death toll from such a massive earthquake is more than 30% likely to reach between 1,000 and 100,000 people.
According to the USGS website, the earthquake had an IX intensity rating, indicating severe shaking and significant damage. “Red alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses,” the website states. “High losses and substantial damage are expected, and the calamity will most certainly be widespread. It further said that “past red alerts have required a national or international response” .
As of Friday afternoon, at least 144 people have been reported killed in Myanmar, with more than 730 wounded. At least three people died after a mosque in the nation partly collapsed.
According to a member of a rescue squad in Mandalay, Myanmar, “the damage is enormous”.
As rescue attempts continue, they told the BBC: “The death toll is also pretty significant. That’s all we can say for the time being, while rescue attempts continue. The actual number of victims is unknown, however it is likely in the hundreds.
