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- USGS reports earthquake measured 7.7 on the Richter scale.
- Three fatalities reported in Bangkok; skyscraper under construction has collapsed.
- Structures and bridges have given way in Myanmar.
A significant earthquake struck Southeast Asia on Friday, resulting in multiple fatalities, the collapse of a skyscraper still being built in Bangkok, and the destruction of buildings and bridges in neighboring Myanmar, where the junta has declared a state of emergency in various regions.
Eyewitness accounts in the town of Taungoo, Myanmar, indicated that at least three people lost their lives due to a partially collapsed mosque, while local news sources reported that two fatalities and 20 injuries occurred from the collapse of a hotel in Aung Ban.
In Thailand, Bangkok’s Governor Chadchart Sittipunt confirmed three deaths attributed to the earthquake. He warned residents about the possibility of aftershocks but emphasized that the situation was mostly under control.
As emergency services worked, they reported at least one death and rescued dozens of workers trapped under the rubble of the skyscraper in Bangkok, according to the National Institute of Emergency Medicine in Thailand.
In a chaotic scene, panic swept through the streets of the Thai capital, with people, including hotel guests in bathrobes and swimsuits, rushing outside as water poured down from an upper-level pool at a luxury hotel, witnesses recalled.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the earthquake as a 7.7 magnitude, occurring at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). The epicenter was located approximately 17.2 kilometers from Mandalay, Myanmar, a city with a population of around 1.5 million.
Following the initial quake, a strong aftershock and numerous smaller ones were reported.
The tremors caused significant destruction across five cities and towns in Myanmar, including the collapse of a railway bridge and a road bridge on the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway, state media indicated.
A resident of Mandalay recounted, “We all rushed outside as our house began to shake. I saw a five-story building come down right in front of me. Everyone in my neighborhood is in the streets, afraid to re-enter any buildings.”
The military government in Myanmar has declared a state of emergency in several areas, stating, “The government will quickly investigate the situation and conduct rescue operations, including providing humanitarian aid,” via the Telegram app.
Having taken power in a coup in 2021 that sparked civil unrest, the junta remains internationally isolated.
Mandalay, known as Myanmar’s historical royal capital, lies at the heart of the country’s Buddhist culture.
Reports on social media displayed images of collapsed structures and debris littering the streets of the city. Reuters was unable to independently verify the authenticity of these posts.
Images shared by Myanmar Now showed a clock tower that had fallen and significant damage to a wall near Mandalay Palace. A local resident, Htet Naing Oo, described the situation: “A tea shop collapsed with several individuals trapped inside. We couldn’t get in; the situation is dire.”
In Taungoo, at least three people perished when a mosque partially fell, according to eyewitness accounts.
Local news outlets reported that a hotel in Aung Ban crumbled, trapping around 20 individuals. Reports indicated that two people had been confirmed dead.
Video footage showed significant structural damage in a market in Naypyitaw, the capital, while residents in Yangon reported a mass evacuation of buildings.
Office Building in Bangkok Swayed
The Stock Exchange of Thailand halted all trading activities for the afternoon session.
An office building in downtown Bangkok swayed for roughly two minutes, with doors and windows creaking alarmingly, according to eyewitnesses. Thousands of employees evacuated via emergency stairs, while some remained frozen in shock.
“Initially, I didn’t realize it was an earthquake,” office worker Varunyou Armarttayakul told Reuters. “But as I noticed the table shaking, and my chair and computer swaying, I recognized the danger when I heard the cracking walls and glass. The ceiling even came down! That’s when I ran out.” Outside, many gathered under the afternoon sun, with medical staff assisting the elderly and those in shock.
China’s Xinhua news agency noted that substantial tremors were felt in the southwestern Yunnan province, close to Myanmar, but there were no reported casualties.
Pakistan Mourns Following Deadly Quake
Pakistan expressed its heartfelt sorrow over the devastating earthquake impacting Myanmar, Thailand, and surrounding nations.
Pakistan lauded the bravery of rescue workers and emergency responders diligently engaged in aid and relief efforts. “Their courage and determination during this urgent situation are deeply commendable.”
“We send our solidarity to the governments and communities facing challenges during this difficult time. May strength and perseverance lead those affected toward healing and recovery,” the spokesperson concluded.
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