A 7.7-magnitude earthquake has hit central Myanmar, with tremors felt in Thailand, China and India.

In Mandalay, the city closest to the quake epicentre, the damage appears to be heavy and the country's military junta has issues a rare request for help with relief efforts. 

Sean Turnell, the Australia economist who was an advisor to Myanmar’s democratic government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been hearing from friends and colleagues in Myanmar.