A strong earthquake hit Bangkok, Myanmar and neighboring countries on Friday. The quake, measuring 7.7 in magnitude, caused widespread damage. It killed at least eight people and left many more injured. Buildings, bridges, and roads collapsed across the region. The tremor shook cities in Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. The earthquake’s impact was felt far beyond the epicenter. An earthquake in Thailand can have devastating consequences, as shown by this recent incident.
Aftershock Hits Moments Later
Just minutes after the main earthquake, a 6.4-magnitude aftershock rattled the same area. This aftershock caused even more panic, as people feared more buildings might collapse. Emergency services scrambled to respond, while residents fled to the streets in fear. The aftershock added to the chaos, complicating rescue efforts in the affected areas. The aftermath of the earthquake in Thailand left many communities in disarray.
Devastating Collapse in Bangkok
In Bangkok, a 30-story building under construction collapsed. The building, which was supposed to house government offices, suddenly fell, trapping 43 workers inside. Rescue teams worked quickly to free people trapped under the rubble. Sadly, authorities confirmed at least three deaths, but they rescued dozens more. The massive building’s collapse shocked everyone, and online footage showed twisted metal and rubble. The structural failure demonstrates the earthquake’s significant impact on Thailand.
When emergency crews arrived, they heard people calling for help. The scene was chaotic. Many workers were injured, and hundreds of people were affected. The incident left the city in a state of shock and fear. Rescue teams are still working to determine the full extent of the damage.
Myanmar Also Hard Hit by Quake
Across the border in Myanmar, the earthquake caused significant destruction. In Mandalay, the quake led to the collapse of a mosque, killing at least three people. In Naypyitaw, the air traffic control tower at the airport collapsed. Tragically, everyone inside was killed. The collapse of important structures like these disrupted life in Myanmar. The earthquake also caused a hotel in Aung Ban town to collapse, killing two and injuring 20.
The damage in Myanmar was widespread. The city of Naypyitaw saw roads buckle under the tremors. People ran out of buildings in fear as walls cracked and ceilings fell. The local hospital became overwhelmed with the wounded. Many people were treated in the streets as the medical system struggled to cope with the sudden rush of injured victims.
Chaos and Rescue Efforts in Hospitals
At the main hospital in Naypyitaw, medical staff worked tirelessly to treat the wounded. Due to the large number of injuries, doctors had to treat some people outside the building. IV drips were set up on gurneys as people writhed in pain. Ambulances rushed to the hospital, and emergency workers shouted for cars to move so they could get through the traffic. The scene was hectic as everyone tried to help as many people as possible. It was clear that the earthquake had caused a mass casualty event, leaving families and workers scrambling to find loved ones.
Myanmar Calls for International Help
In response to the devastation, Myanmar’s military government requested international aid. The country declared a state of emergency across six regions. The government acknowledged the scale of the disaster and asked for help from the global community. Despite the challenges, efforts to assist the injured and rebuild the damaged areas continue. Emergency teams from various organizations are heading to Myanmar to offer support. Meanwhile, Thailand is dealing with the impact of the earthquake as well.
Fear Grips People Across Borders
The earthquake sent shockwaves through Myanmar and Thailand, leaving residents in fear. In Thailand, people in cities like Chiang Mai ran out of their homes when they felt the tremors. One resident described running outside in her pajamas as the earth shook beneath her. The earthquake in Thailand also affected Myanmar’s Mandalay, where residents witnessed buildings collapsing. One eyewitness described seeing a five-story building fall in front of his eyes. People in the streets were too scared to return to their homes, as aftershocks continued.
In Chiang Mai, a local man described how he and other customers rushed out of a minimart when the building started shaking. He said it was the strongest tremor he had ever experienced. The fear was shared by many across the region. People were left uncertain of what would come next.
Disruptions in Bangkok and Beyond
In Bangkok, the earthquake caused significant disruptions. The metro and light rail services were briefly suspended. The Thai government declared a state of emergency in the capital. The Stock Exchange of Thailand also halted trading for the day. Despite the disruptions, air travel remained unaffected. All flights in and out of Bangkok continued as usual.
Earthquake Risk in Myanmar
Myanmar is no stranger to earthquakes. The country lies along the Sagaing Fault, where many earthquakes occur. This fault line has caused several strong tremors in the past. The earthquake in 2016 in Bagan, Myanmar, also caused deaths and destruction. Experts believe that the rapid development of cities in Myanmar, along with poor infrastructure, makes the country more vulnerable to earthquakes. The recent disaster shows just how important it is to prepare for these natural events. An earthquake in Thailand has a similar potential for destruction, as seen in this recent event.
The Growing Threat of Earthquakes
The fast pace of development in Myanmar’s cities has left many areas vulnerable to earthquakes. Many buildings are not built to withstand such strong tremors. Experts warn that if the country doesn’t improve its infrastructure, future earthquakes could cause even more damage. The government and local authorities must focus on better planning and construction to protect people from future disasters. Similarly, earthquake preparedness is essential for mitigating the risks of an earthquake in Thailand.
