People are still trapped

A country vulnerable after years of army rule

- Rebecca Ratcliffe Esther J

As darkness fell in Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, many residents set up small tents and prepared to sleep on the streets rather than risk going back inside their homes. "We are afraid that some weak buildings might collapse," said Ko Ko, who asked not to give his full name.

Mandalay was one of the areas worst affected by yesterday's earthquake, a shallow 7.7-magnitude tremor that was followed minutes later by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock.

Ko Ko had been driving in his car when the ground shook for the second time. "We stopped at the corner of the road because of the shaking. At that moment, a hospital collapsed right in front of me, like waffle sheets crumbling, and a large cloud of dust emerged like in the movie scene," he said. Most places in Mandalay were badly damaged, he added.

The true extent of the destruction could take time to emerge. Myanmar is ruled by a repressive military junta that took power in 2021 and which has banned most independent media, forcing journalists to operate underground or in exile.

The military, which has few allies, made a rare plea for international help - suggesting deep concern about the damage.