A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck Myanmar, causing widespread fear and damage. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the epicenter was located approximately 17 km from Mandalay, a central city with a population of 1.5 million people. The earthquake was followed by a strong aftershock, further intensifying the situation.
Impact Across the Region
The tremors were felt in neighboring Thailand, including in the capital, Bangkok. Videos captured a high-rise building under construction collapsing in the city. Reports indicate that at least 43 people have been trapped in the rubble. Many residents in Bangkok fled into the streets as buildings shook. The Thai Prime Minister has called for an emergency meeting to assess the damage and coordinate response efforts.
The earthquake’s impact was also felt in China’s Yunnan Province. The full extent of the damage in these areas is still being assessed.
Eyewitness Accounts from Bangkok
Matt Hunt, a journalist in Bangkok, described the scene as chaotic. He was in a convenience store when he started feeling disoriented. Initially attributing it to the intense summer heat, he soon realized it was an earthquake when people around him began evacuating. Large crowds gathered outside buildings, many in shock and fear.
A factory owner in Bangkok reported that his staff felt dizzy and saw lights shaking and cracks forming in walls. Many workers were unprepared for such an event, as earthquakes are rare in the region. Authorities have temporarily shut down public transit, including trains, as a precaution. Residents have been advised to stay outdoors due to the risk of aftershocks.
Damage and Concerns
Beyond the collapsed high-rise, several buildings in Bangkok experienced swaying, rooftop pools overflowed, and interior structures sustained damage. Photos and videos shared online show homes and offices in disarray.
Experts are particularly concerned about areas with weaker infrastructure, both in Thailand and Myanmar. Some regions, especially in central Thailand and Myanmar, may have suffered severe damage, but full assessments are still pending.
Myanmar’s Uncertain Situation
Myanmar’s situation remains unclear due to limited communication and infrastructure challenges. The country has been under military rule for the past four years, making information difficult to verify. Journalists and human rights organizations have raised concerns about the lack of reliable updates from affected areas. Many fear that Myanmar’s already strained infrastructure could result in a higher casualty count and slower recovery efforts.
What’s Next?
Authorities across Myanmar, Thailand, and China are monitoring the situation closely. Emergency response teams have been deployed, and efforts are underway to rescue those trapped. More information is expected to emerge in the coming hours as officials assess the full extent of the disaster.
Residents in affected areas are urged to stay alert for aftershocks, follow official guidance, and prioritize safety. The earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of natural disasters and the importance of preparedness in vulnerable regions.
