Bangkok Earthquake Triggers Emergency Response in Myanmar and Thailand

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, triggering a state of emergency and causing significant panic in Bangkok, Thailand. Reports confirm a building collapse and initial casualties, while social media shows damage in Myanmar’s Mandalay. Emergency services are actively conducting rescues amid ongoing assessments of the disaster.

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, prompting the military to declare a state of emergency in multiple regions. Tremors were felt in Bangkok, Thailand, resulting in widespread panic. Bangkok has since been designated a disaster area, with the earthquake’s epicenter located approximately 17.2 km from Mandalay, which has a significant population of around 1.2 million people.

While official reports on casualties in Myanmar are pending, there are confirmed damages. Reports indicate that a high-rise building under construction collapsed in Bangkok, and several structures in Mandalay were damaged. Initial accounts suggest at least one person has died, while emergency services have rescued dozens of individuals trapped in the rubble in Bangkok.

Witnesses relayed chaotic scenes as people fled to the streets; a pool in an elevated hotel spilled water during the tremors. Office buildings in Bangkok swayed for extended periods, prompting mass evacuations. People evacuated via emergency stairs, with some remaining in shock amid loud screams and chaos. In Mandalay, social media showed images of collapsed buildings and debris, although comprehensive casualty confirmations are still awaited.

The recent magnitude 7.7 earthquake has had a profound impact on Myanmar and Thailand, exemplified by emergency declarations and physical destruction. As search and rescue operations continue, the full extent of the devastation and casualties remains to be determined, particularly in Myanmar. The initial reports indicate serious damages and ongoing efforts by emergency services in both countries to handle the aftermath.

Original Source: indianexpress.com