The ground shaking force struck with a 6.0 magnitude at a depth of six miles (10km) - 24 miles (40km) from the western town of Phyu.

Phyu regional MP Thet Sein stated that the quake was “quite strong”.

He said: "The earthquake was quite strong and it repeated three times but I haven't heard anything about damage or casualties yet.”

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries - the US Geological Survey (USGS) quelled worries by declaring that “there is a low likelihood of casualties and damage”.

Myanmar's cities have undergone tremendous development growth and the combination of crumbling infrastructure and poor urban planning makes the area vulnerable to earthquakes according to experts.

The USGS added that structures in the region are usually vulnerable to earthquake shaking.

Officials have stated that the force could be felt across the regions of Yangon, Taungoo, Phyu, Pyi and Nay Pyi Taw cities.

Myanmar is no stranger to natural disasters - the area saw six monster quakes of a 7.0 magnitude or more between 1930 and 1956 near the Sagaing Fault.

The Sagaing runs through the centre of Myanmar from north to south.

Last year the country’s capital, Bagan, was plagued with a 6.8 magnitude quake in 2016 that killed three people.

November 2012 saw another powerful 6.8 magnitude strike that killed 26 and injured hundreds.

More to follow…