Quake damages ancient Buddhist temples in Burma

A 5.6-magnitude earthquake shook parts of north-western Burma today, damaging Buddhist temples believed to date to the 11th century.

The moderate earthquake occurred just after 2am with the epicentre about 260 miles north- west of the commercial capital, Yangon, said Thein Htay, an official from the national Meteorological Department.

The quake was felt in several towns in the north-western Magway Division, none of which are densely populated or have high-rise buildings, he said. There were no known casualties.

Residents reported damage to two ancient Buddhist temples in Ohn Pwetaw village and a pagoda in Yay Nan Chaung, saying the structures were believed to have been built in the 11th century and were known for their colourful frescoes.