While the world’s attention centres on the devastating earthquake in Italy, the Myanmar tourism industry is also counting the cost after a quake there damaged scores of ancient temples.
Just hours after the Italy quake, a powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, damaging several of the iconic pagodas in the ancient city of Bagan.
Tremors were felt as far away as Bangkok and Bangladeshi capital Dhaka.
At least three people were killed.
"Some famous pagodas were damaged during the earthquake," a tourist police officer from Bagan said, adding that some of the damage was considered ‘serious.’
At least 66 stupas in Bagan were damaged, a department of archaeology spokesman told the BBC.
President Htin Kyaw said UNESCO and the governments of Japan and China have offered assistance to help restore the damaged temples.
"We have to record and repair the damage to the pagodas, but it will have to be done systematically. It will take time, but we will do our best," said Htin Kyaw.
