This is the dramatic moment terrified diners cowered under tables as a powerful earthquake shook a food park in Myanmar.

Video shows the locals taking cover as the ground shook violently in the former capital Mandalay, home to around 1.5 million people, on March 28.

Trees swayed, sending leaves and twigs falling, while tables and chairs clattered in the outdoor dining area.

The US Geological Survey said the tremor struck at a depth of 10 kilometres (six miles), and was centred in Myanmar, around 50 kilometres (30 miles) east of Monywa.

Residents ran from their homes when they felt the tremors at around 1:20 pm local time. More than 1,700 people in the country have been killed and some 4,000, with rescue efforts ongoing.

The quake destroyed buildings, bridges, and dams, leaving many areas in ruins. Communication remains difficult as mobile networks are down, and access to electricity and the internet is limited.

In neighbouring Thailand, high-rise buildings shook and an apartment block under construction collapsed in Bangkok. At least 17 workers were killed.