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A massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake rocked central Myanmar, causing intense tremors felt as far as Thailand and leading to catastrophic collapses that have claimed over 150 lives across the region.
Where did the Earthquake Hit?
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake struck about 17km from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, at a shallow depth of 10km (6.2 miles), according to The Independent. The shallow depth amplified the tremors, resulting in extensive damage across Myanmar and neighboring Thailand. A powerful 6.4-magnitude aftershock soon followed.
What Happened in Bangkok?
In Bangkok, the earthquake’s force was strong enough for city officials to declare a state of emergency.
A high-rise building under construction near the bustling Chatuchak Market collapsed during the tremors, sending a massive cloud of dust into the air and sparking chaos on the streets.
Videos shared on social media captured the dramatic moment the structure gave way—panicked onlookers screamed and fled as the building crumbled in mere seconds.
Nine people have been confirmed dead in the Bangkok building collapse, including eight construction workers. City Deputy Governor Tavida Kamolvej reported that at least 117 individuals are still missing.
Kevin Riley from Essex, UK, told the BBC he experienced the earthquake while having lunch in Chiang Mai, despite being hundreds of miles from the epicenter.
“I felt things moving, and I thought they were just shifting the tables,” he said. “I looked up, and everything was in motion.”
He described seeing “lights swaying and objects swinging,” noting that “every time I thought it had stopped, another ripple of movement followed.” The tremors, he estimated, lasted for “about two and a half minutes.”
“When we returned to the hotel, we noticed some of the rendering had fallen off the front of the building,” he said. From his room, he could see that the hotel’s swimming pool area was “in disarray.”
Reflecting on the impact, Riley added, “The news of the earthquake in Myanmar is devastating, but even hundreds of miles away, we could feel its power.”
Myanmar Death Toll and Casualties
Myanmar has experienced the highest number of fatalities from the disaster. The country’s ruling military junta has confirmed that at least 144 people have lost their lives, with 737 others reported injured.
In a televised address, General Min Aung Hlaing cautioned, “There will be more deaths and casualties” as rescue teams persist in their efforts to clear the debris. He also issued an appeal, urging “any country” willing to assist to provide aid and donations.
International aid corridors have been established to facilitate assistance, with Myanmar already receiving support from India and the Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN.
Expected Consequences
A US government predictive analysis suggests the disaster’s true scale may be significantly worse than current estimates.
Given the earthquake’s magnitude and depth, the report anticipates thousands of potential fatalities and severe economic losses, especially in the Sagaing and Meiktila regions.
“Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though resistant structures exist,” the analysis noted. “High casualties and extensive damage are probable, and the disaster is likely widespread.”
What’s Next?
Rescue operations are ongoing in both Myanmar and Thailand as emergency teams work tirelessly to locate survivors amid the devastation caused by Friday’s powerful earthquake.
Authorities remain on high alert for aftershocks, which could trigger further structural collapses and complicate recovery efforts.
The Red Cross has expressed growing concern over the stability of key infrastructure, particularly large-scale dams, warning that any additional damage could lead to even greater humanitarian challenges
Marie Manrique, program coordinator for the International Federation of the Red Cross, highlighted the widespread destruction to public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings. “We currently have concerns for large-scale dams that people are monitoring closely,” she told reporters, according to The Guardian.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has activated its emergency management system, preparing to deploy medical resources in response to what it described as a “huge” earthquake.
The WHO confirmed that its logistics hub in Dubai is mobilizing to send trauma supplies to the affected areas.
Our thoughts remain with all those impacted by this devastating disaster.
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