Myanmar quake toll climbs to 60

YANGON: More than 60 people were killed and 90 injured after a strong earthquake struck Myanmar near its border with Thailand, an official said Friday, as some affected areas remained cut off. The earthquake on Thursday, which the US Geological Survey (USGS) measured at magnitude 6.8, was felt as far away as Bangkok, almost 800 kilometres (500 miles) from the epicentre, Hanoi and parts of China.A Myanmar official said dozens of people were killed in areas close to the epicentre and more than 240 buildings had collapsed. "The death toll has increased to more than 60 now from those areas including Tarlay, Mine Lin and Tachileik townships," said the official. "About 90 people were injured from those areas. The officials are still trying to reach some more affected areas. There are some places we cannot reach yet." (AFP)