Twin Earthquakes Rock Myanmar; Building Collapse in Thailand Traps Dozens
Massive Earthquakes Strike Myanmar, Tremors Felt Across Southeast Asia
In a devastating natural event, two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.7 and 6.4 magnitudes shook Myanmar on Friday afternoon, leading to significant destruction and panic across the region. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the first quake struck approximately 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing city, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles) around 12:50 PM local time (06:20 GMT).
The powerful tremors were felt not only in Myanmar but also in Thailand, Bangladesh, India, and surrounding countries, triggering widespread fear and chaos.
Structural Damage and Panic in Myanmar’s Capital
The seismic activity caused severe damage in several parts of Myanmar. In the capital, Naypyidaw, eyewitnesses reported that roads cracked and buckled, while portions of ceilings collapsed inside buildings. Many residents rushed outdoors to escape the shaking structures.
An official from Myanmar’s Fire Services Department informed Reuters that emergency search and rescue operations have begun. “We have deployed teams in Yangon and other areas to assess the damage and check for casualties. However, we have not yet received confirmed information regarding injuries or fatalities,” the official stated.
Communication networks remained patchy, and official information from Myanmar’s government agencies is still limited due to infrastructural damage and disruption.
Bangkok Construction Site Collapses After Tremors
While Myanmar faced the direct impact of the earthquakes, neighboring Thailand also witnessed severe consequences. In Bangkok, the capital city, a building under construction collapsed, leaving 43 workers trapped under the debris. Emergency services have been mobilized, and rescue operations are ongoing.
Locals described the panic that spread across the city as the tremors shook high-rise buildings. Residents hurriedly evacuated apartments and offices, crowding the streets in fear of aftershocks. Reports mentioned that the earthquake’s force was strong enough to cause water to splash out of rooftop swimming pools in Bangkok’s skyscrapers.
Widespread Fear and Chaos in Chiang Mai
The quake’s impact was also felt in Thailand’s northern tourist hub, Chiang Mai. Duangjai, a local resident, shared her terrifying experience with AFP:
“I heard a loud rumble and felt the ground shaking. I was sleeping when it started. I ran outside in my pyjamas as fast as I could.”
Many tourists and locals fled hotels and residential buildings, assembling in open spaces until the shaking stopped. The earthquakes triggered fear of potential aftershocks, leading to temporary closure of some public spaces and shopping centers.
Regional Seismic Activity Raises Alarm
These back-to-back earthquakes highlight the vulnerability of Southeast Asia to seismic hazards. Myanmar lies in a seismically active zone along the Alpide Belt, making it prone to frequent earthquakes. The latest tremors are a grim reminder of the 2016 magnitude 6.8 earthquake that struck Myanmar, killing three people and damaging ancient temples in Bagan.
Disaster management authorities in Myanmar and Thailand have urged residents to stay alert and prepared for possible aftershocks. Many buildings in Myanmar, particularly older structures, lack modern earthquake-resistant designs, increasing the risk of collapse during such events.
Rescue Operations Underway as Casualty Numbers Await Confirmation
As of now, official data on the number of injured or deceased in Myanmar remains unclear due to communication disruptions. Thai authorities confirmed that efforts are ongoing to rescue the 43 workers trapped in the collapsed Bangkok building. Emergency teams are racing against time to find survivors.
International humanitarian organizations and disaster response teams are closely monitoring the situation and preparing to offer assistance if required.
