What to know about earthquakes like the one that hit Myanmar and Thailand

Experts say the earthquake, which occurred along the Sagaing Fault, was close to the Earth’s surface, generating intense seismic forces

Rescuers work at the site of a high-rise building under construction in Bangkok that collapsed after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake. Picture: AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn

Early Friday, a major 7.7 magnitude earthquake that originated near Mandalay, Myanmar, shook the Earth as far as Bangkok, about 1,300km away.

Two hard-hit cities in Myanmar suffered extensive damage, with images from the capital, Naypyidaw, showing rescue crews pulling victims from the rubble of collapsed buildings. Authorities in Bangkok said deaths had occurred at three construction sites, including a high-rise that collapsed.