Strong earthquake shakes Myanmar

A strong earthquake has struck Myanmar, the United States (U.S.) Geological Survey reported, with tremors in India and China sending residents out into the streets.

The 6.9 magnitude quake took place yesterday at a depth of 135km (84 miles) north-west of Mandalay. So far, there have been no reports of any casualties.

It could be felt in the north-east Indian state of Assam, where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are staying.

Tremors are relatively common in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma).

An Associated Press news agency in the city of Yangon reported seeing a seven-storey hospital shake during yesterday’s two-minute quake, causing staff and patients to flee the building.

The British royal party have been visiting Assam’s Kaziranga National Park.

An earthquake measuring 6.7 magnitude hit north-east India in January, near its borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh, killing at least nine people.