Over 150 dead as powerful quake rocks Myanmar, Thailand; Emiratis cautioned

A powerful earthquake rocked Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand on Friday, destroying buildings, bridges and a monastery.

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At least 144 people were killed in Myanmar, where photos and video from two hard-hit cities showed extensive damage. At least IO died in the Thai capital, where a high-rise under construction collapsed.

Meanwhile, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Emirati citizens currently in Thailand to exercise extreme caution following a powerful earthquake that hit the western region of the country earlier in the day.

The UAE Embassy in Bangkok has also advised nationals to remain vigilant and closely follow safety directives issued by local authorities

In its statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also encouraged Emiratis to register with the UAE's Twajudi service to facilitate rapid assistance. Citizens in need of support or emergency services were advised to contact the UAE's emergency hotline numbers: 0097180044444 or 0097180024.

The full extent of death, injury and destruction was not immediately clear-particularly in Myanmar, one of the world's poorest countries. It is embroiled in a civil war, and information is tightly controlled.

"The death toll and injuries are expected to rise," the head of Myanmar's military government, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said as he announced on television that at least 144 people were killed and 730 others were injured in his country.

SKYSCRAPER TOPPLED IN BANGKOK: In Thailand, Bangkok city authorities said IO people were killed, 16 injured and IOI missing from three construction sites, including the high-rise.