Earthquake rattles northwest Myanmar knocks down Buddhist temples
Pastor Dale Morgan
Earthquake rattles northwest Myanmar knocks down Buddhist temples*
(AP) – 1 hour ago
YANGON, Myanmar — A moderate 5.6-magnitude earthquake shook parts of
northwestern Myanmar early Tuesday destroying and damaging Buddhist
temples believed to date to the 11th century, officials and residents said.
The earthquake occurred just after 2 a.m. with the epicenter about 260
miles (418 kilometers) northwest of the commercial capital, Yangon, said
Thein Htay, an official from the national Meteorological Department.
The quake was felt in several towns in the northwestern Magway Division,
none of which are densely populated or have high-rise buildings, he
said. There were no known casualties.
Residents reported destruction of 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 colorful frescoes.
The extent of all the damage was not immediately known. The residents
requested anonymity because of fears of speaking to reporters in the
military-ruled country.