A powerful earthquake hit central Myanmar on Friday, destroying roads in the capital Naypyidaw, damaging buildings and forcing people to flee to the streets in neighboring Thailand.

The US Geological Survey reported that a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck northwest of Sagaing city on Friday afternoon. A few minutes later, an earthquake of 6.4 magnitude occurred in the same area.

According to AFP journalists, in the sprawling Myanmar capital of Nay Pyi Taw, a sprawling 20-lane highway, roads have been destroyed by falling roof pieces from buildings.

A team of AFP journalists was at the National Museum in Naypyidaw when the earthquake struck.

As the uniformed personnel ran outside, fragments fell from the roof and walls of the house. Some of them were shaking and in tears, while others grabbed cellphones to try to contact loved ones.

The ground shook violently for about half a minute before settling down.

There were no immediate reports of casualties after the earthquake, but the earthquake spread terror to nearby cities in northern Thailand and as far as the capital, Bangkok.

buildings damaged

The earthquake damaged buildings in Bangkok and suspended some metro and light rail services.

Thai Prime Minister Patongtarn Shinawatra said in a post on Friday that he had cut short an official visit to the southern island of Phuket and held an "emergency meeting" after the earthquake.