Rescuers say they have detected signs of life and communicated with some survivors under the 10-storey tall mountain of debris.

Scores of construction workers remain missing at the site, as the rescue effort heads into its second day. The 7.7-magnitude quake occurred on Friday afternoon local time, killing hundreds at the epicentre near Mandalay, Myanmar. Its powerful effects could be felt hundreds of miles away in the Thai capital, as well as in China and India.

There have been reports of widespread devastation in the Saigaing region and Mandalay, including flattened buildings and temple spires toppled. Officials in Myanmar say over 1,000 have died so far while another 2,376 are injured. In Bangkok, thousands experienced the quake's effects as buildings swayed and water sloshed out of swimming pools. Officials said they received 2,000 reports of cracks appearing in buildings.

But the capital has emerged largely unscathed – except for the unfinished headquarters for the auditor-general's office, which remains the focal point of the damage in Thailand. Situated just across from the tourist landmark Chatuchak market, the 30-storey skyscraper once featured a gleaming tower of blue glass and steel. (BBC)