New Delhi: More than 30 hours after a massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake rocked Myanmar, rescue and relief teams continue to dig debris and search for survivors feared to be trapped beneath the rubble.
Widespread destruction caused by multiple aftershocks have pushed up the death toll to 1,644, with number of injured being several thousands, the military Junta government said on Saturday evening.
Satellite photos from Planet Labs PBC analysed by Associated Press have shown that the deadly earthquake toppled the air traffic control tower at Naypyidaw International Airport.
Images from the site showed debris scattered all around the tower which controlled all air traffic in the Myanmarese capital.
There was no confirmation of casualties and injuries, but since the tremor occurred in the afternoon (around 12.30 pm local time), there is every possibility of the presence of several staff inside the tower.
Air traffic into the international airport was stopped as all electronics and radar would have been destroyed in the control tower.
Flights carrying rescue teams from China were diverted to Yangon, instead of trying to fly directly to the airports in major affected cities of Mandalay and Naypyidaw.
The severe earthquake and aftershocks opened up wide cracks on roads, brought down several buildings, and sent tremors across China, Thailand, Vietnam and parts of India, in the east and northeast.
Thailand reported at least six deaths, with a highrise building collapsing in Bangkok.
