144 dead, thousands trapped as massive earthquake devastates Myanmar and Thailand

March 28 was a typical day in Myanmar and Thailand streets full of life, markets full of shoppers, and businesses operating normally. But within a split second, everything turned around when a massive and century's first 7.7 magnitude earthquake shook the ground, followed by a severe 6.4 magnitude aftershock, causing devastating tremors to hit Myanmar, Thailand, India, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.

Dozens more suffered serious injuries

Panic set in among cities and towns as buildings swayed, putting people into a state of panic as they fled for cover while the earth beneath them shook. When the tremors subsided, buildings had collapsed to the ground, burying dozens under the debris, killing up to 144 in Myanmar and Thailand. Dozens more suffered serious injuries.

While the dust is settling and rehabilitation efforts are under way by the governments agency, here are the top 10 facts of today's disaster:

1. The 7.7 scale earthquake had its epicenter located close to Mandalay of Myanmar. It hit at noon and was followed by another 6.4 scale aftershock – 12 minutes later. The earthquake occurred at a mere depth of 10 km.
2. At least 144 fatalities have been reported in Myanmar, the junta leader of the country said, and three died in Bangkok of Thailand.
3. There were collapses of buildings, road caves and damage to highways in Mandalay. Ava bridge also collapsed in Myanmar. There were reports of casualties at a mosque where individuals were offering Friday prayers.
4. At Bangkok's Chatuchak market, a 33-story building that was being built collapsed into a cloud of dust, and spectators were seen screaming and fleeing in a social media video.
5. Sirens sounded through central Bangkok and cars packed the roads. The elevated rapid transit system and subway closed.
6. There were no flight disruptions in the Bangkok airport operations, said the civil aviation department.
7. Bangkok city hall announced the city as a disaster area in order to ease the response.
8. Myanmar shadow foreign minister added that the situation was serious in Mandalay and there may be additional casualties from the earthquake. The foreign minister also requested immediate international humanitarian and technical assistance.
9. Myanmar has declared a state of emergency in Sagaing, Mandalay and Naypyitaw.
10. The Indian Embassy in Thailand stated it was keeping the situation under tight vigil after the earthquake and that all Indians were safe.