BANGKOK (Agencies): A series of powerful earthquakes rocked Southeast Asia on Friday, causing widespread damage and panic across Thailand and Myanmar. The initial 7.7-magnitude quake struck central Myanmar, with tremors felt as far as Thailand and neighboring Chinese provinces. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake as shallow, with an epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar. A strong 6.4-magnitude aftershock followed just 12 minutes later.
In Bangkok, a high-rise building under construction near the bustling Chatuchak Market collapsed, killing one person and injuring 50 others, according to Thai authorities2. Dramatic footage shared on social media captured the moment the multi-story structure crumbled into a cloud of dust, sending onlookers fleeing in terror4. Rescue operations are underway, with reports suggesting that dozens of workers may still be trapped beneath the debris.
The quake caused alarms to ring out across Bangkok, prompting evacuations from high-rise condominiums and hotels. Water from rooftop pools spilled over, and debris fell from buildings as the city shook2. Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared a state of emergency in Bangkok and convened an urgent meeting to assess the impact and coordinate rescue efforts6.
In Myanmar, the earthquake caused significant damage to infrastructure, including religious shrines and homes in Naypyitaw, the capital8. The country, already struggling with the effects of a four-year civil war, faces immense challenges in responding to the disaster.
The Department of Disaster Prevention in Thailand confirmed that the quake was felt across almost all regions of the country. As rescue and recovery efforts continue, the region remains on high alert for further aftershocks. This devastating event underscores the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in both nations.