A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread destruction and loss of life in the country and neighboring Thailand. The quake’s epicenter was near the Burmese city of Sagaing, close to Mandalay, and was followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock 12 minutes later.
Casualties and Damage
- In Myanmar, at least 1,002 people were killed and 2,376 injured, with many more missing or trapped under rubble.
- In Thailand, 10 people were killed and 68 injured, with significant damage reported in 10 provinces, including Bangkok.
- A 30-storey building under construction in Bangkok’s Chatuchak Park area collapsed, resulting in 8 confirmed deaths and 79 people still missing.
Emergency Response
- Thai authorities declared a state of emergency in response to the quake, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra urging residents to remain calm and be prepared for possible aftershocks.
- In Myanmar, the military government declared a state of emergency across six regions and states, with aid groups warning of significant damage in hard-to-reach locations.
Impact and Aftermath
- The quake caused widespread damage to buildings, roads, and infrastructure in both Myanmar and Thailand.
- In Bangkok, thousands of residents evacuated high-rise apartments and hotels, with many gathering in the streets as alarms sounded and water sloshed out of pools.
- The earthquake was felt as far away as China and India, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity.
