Two major earthquakes struck Southeast Asia on Friday, with Myanmar and Thailand experiencing strong tremors in rapid succession. The first earthquake, measuring 7.7 in magnitude, hit near Sagaing, Myanmar, followed just 12 minutes later by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock. The seismic activity had widespread effects, with tremors felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand.
Read more: Powerful Earthquake Strikes Tibet Region, Leaving Over 53 Dead
Devastation in Bangkok: Building Collapse Traps Dozens
In Bangkok, the earthquake’s force caused an unfinished 30-storey building to collapse, trapping 43 construction workers inside. Out of 50 workers present, only seven managed to escape, while an intensive rescue operation was launched to save the rest. Authorities confirmed at least one fatality, with many workers pulled from the debris. Witnesses described panic-stricken crowds fleeing buildings, including hotel guests rushing out in bathrobes as water gushed from an elevated swimming pool at a luxury hotel.
Impact on Myanmar: Buildings Reduced to Rubble
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake, which struck around midday, had a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), with its epicenter located about 17.2 km from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city with a population of approximately 1.5 million. While Myanmar’s official response was slow, social media images showed collapsed structures, debris-littered streets, and significant destruction in Mandalay.
Residents in the city described horrific scenes, with one eyewitness saying they watched a five-storey building crumble before their eyes. Another witness, Htet Naing Oo, recounted how a tea shop collapsed with several people trapped inside, while others reported that a mosque had sustained severe damage.
Widespread Panic in Yangon and Beyond
Strong tremors were also felt in Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, with people rushing into the streets fearing further collapses. A Myanmar Fire Services officer stated that authorities had begun surveying the city for casualties and damage, though no official reports had been released. Meanwhile, tremors were felt in China’s Yunnan province, but no injuries were reported there.
In Bangkok, the aftermath of the quake was equally dramatic. A high-rise office tower swayed violently for nearly two minutes, causing doors and windows to creak loudly. Employees evacuated via emergency staircases, with some frozen in fear and others screaming as the structure shook. Rescue teams attended to the injured and elderly, offering medical aid and support.
Authorities across Myanmar and Thailand are now assessing the full extent of the damage as search and rescue efforts continue in the affected regions.
