On Friday, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck Thailand and neighboring Myanmar, causing significant chaos and destruction. The quake hit at around midday, leading to the collapse of a high-rise building still under construction in Bangkok. As of now, authorities have not confirmed any casualties, but the situation remains dire.
Dramatic footage shared widely on social media captured the moment when the multi-story building crumbled into a cloud of dust, sending bystanders into a panic. Witnesses reported screams and confusion as people fled the area, demonstrating the immediate and alarming impact of the earthquake.
Police were quick to respond to the scene near the bustling Chatuchak Market, one of Bangkok’s most popular destinations. However, they stated they lacked information regarding the number of workers present at the construction site when the building collapsed. This adds to the uncertainty surrounding safety and rescue operations in the aftermath.
The initial quake was followed by a secondary tremor measuring 6.4, prompting evacuated residents to be cautious and remain outside, as further aftershocks were anticipated. Fraser Morton, a tourist from Scotland, recounted his experience of the chaos that unfolded in a nearby shopping mall. He described how initially, shoppers were calm, but panic soon ensued as the building felt as if it were shifting. Many people ran towards escalators, resulting in a scene of confusion and disarray.
Morton, along with countless others, sought safety in nearby Benjasiri Park, away from the swaying skyscrapers. “It was pretty intense. Lots of chaos,” he reflected as he witnessed debris and dust filling the air around the site of the collapsed building.
According to reports from the US Geological Survey, the earthquake was relatively shallow, occurring at a depth of just over six miles with its epicenter located in Myanmar. This geographical vulnerability has made the region susceptible to seismic activity in the past, although it typically features low-rise housing and a less dense population.
In the city of Mandalay, which is close to the epicenter, the quake resulted in damage to historical landmarks, including parts of the former royal palace. Images shared on social media depicted the consequences of the earthquake, including structural damage that has left buildings compromised.
The Sagaing region also faced its share of destruction, with significant infrastructure damage occurring. A 90-year-old bridge collapsed, and sections of the highway connecting Mandalay to Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, were affected. Residents in Yangon reacted swiftly, exiting their homes in response to the tremors, although reports of injuries or fatalities in the area were not immediately apparent.
Naypyitaw, the capital of Myanmar, saw damage to religious shrines and some residential buildings, indicating the broad reach of the earthquake’s destructive capabilities. Footage also showed a hotel where water from rooftop pools cascaded down as the tremors rattled the structure, highlighting the far-reaching impact on infrastructure.
In Bangkok, as the quake rumbled through the city at approximately 1:30 p.m., alarms blared in buildings, startling residents who hurriedly evacuated down staircases from high-rise condominiums and hotels. This quick response was vital in ensuring safety for those living in a densely populated area that houses over 17 million people.
With the shaking causing panic across the metropolitan landscape, moments of fear were evident as water surged from rooftop pools, and debris from buildings fell into the streets. Zsuzsanna Vari-Kovacs, a Hungarian resident living in Bangkok, shared her experience, contrasting it with past quakes she’d endured in Myanmar. She noted the prolonged duration of this event, describing it as feeling like a minute, which heightened the sense of danger.
Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention confirmed that the quake was felt throughout almost all regions of the country, underscoring its widespread impact. In light of the destruction and potential risks moving forward, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra convened an emergency meeting to evaluate the situation and discuss necessary actions.
As the nation assesses the tragedy brought on by the earthquake, resilience and determination to rebuild will be crucial for both Thailand and Myanmar as they move forward from this disaster.
