The powerful earthquake, which had its epicenter in central Myanmar about 13 miles from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, struck around 12:50 p.m. local time, the New York Times reported. It was followed by several tremors, including a 6.4 magnitude aftershock which occurred just 11 minutes later.

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake rattled much of Southeast Asia on Friday, flattening skyscrapers and leaving more than 1,000 people dead from Myanmar to Thailand.

Death toll rising as magnitude 7.7 earthquake hits Myanmar and rocks across Thailand. Here's where and what to know about today's earthquake location

To be sure, it is still early days in the second Trump administration and its effects on the nature of U.S.-China asymmetric competition in Southeast Asia. Nonetheless, it will be critical to monitor the evolving dynamics in this space through several lenses rather than one dominated by the dizzying set of developments occurring in Washington, D.C.

A massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, impacting Southeast Asia with significant damage and casualties. In Bangkok, a skyscraper collapsed, killing three and trapping 81. Myanmar faced severe destruction with collapsed buildings and bridges.

Summary Southeast Asia remains a key partner for the US given that both sides have shared interests encompassing trade, investments, health and security cooperation. Further, the US and Southeast

More than 1,600 people are reported to be dead in Myanmar following Friday's 7.7 magnitude earthquake and an aftershock on Sunday.