A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread destruction and loss of life across Southeast Asia. The tremors were felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand, where buildings collapsed, and panic ensued among residents.
The earthquake's epicenter was near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, leading to significant damage in the region. Historic sites in Mandalay and the neighboring Sagaing region suffered extensive harm, with several ancient pagodas and temples reduced to rubble. The ruling junta declared a state of emergency in six regions, acknowledging the severity of the situation. Initial reports indicate substantial casualties, though exact numbers remain uncertain due to communication challenges and ongoing rescue operations.
In Bangkok, the seismic activity caused the collapse of a 30-story building under construction in the Chatuchak district. At least three people were confirmed dead, and approximately 90 construction workers are missing, feared trapped under the debris. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate survivors amidst the wreckage. The disaster prompted authorities to declare Bangkok a disaster area, leading to evacuations and the suspension of trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
The earthquake's impact extended beyond Myanmar and Thailand. In China's Yunnan province, strong tremors were felt, resulting in damaged houses and injuries in the border city of Ruili. Other provinces, including Guizhou, Guangxi, and Sichuan, also experienced the quake, though no casualties have been reported there.
In India, tremors were felt in the Delhi-National Capital Region around 11:50 AM IST, prompting evacuations from high-rise buildings. Northeastern states, particularly Meghalaya, experienced noticeable aftershocks, with a 4.0-magnitude tremor reported in the East Garo Hills. Cities like Kolkata and Imphal also reported feeling the tremors.
Bangladesh experienced tremors mainly in the eastern half of the country, including cities like Dhaka and Chittagong, causing panic and building evacuations. Similarly, Vietnam's Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as Laos's capital Vientiane, reported tremors, leading to evacuations as a precautionary measure.
The earthquake's timing, occurring around midday, contributed to the high number of casualties and the extent of the damage. In Bangkok, office workers and residents fled into the streets as buildings swayed. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with rooftop pools spilling water onto the streets below and authorities halting airport operations as a precaution.
In Myanmar, the situation is further complicated by the ongoing civil conflict following the 2021 military coup. The junta's declaration of a state of emergency and request for international assistance is an unusual move, given the country's history of restricting humanitarian access. The European Union, France, and other international bodies have expressed readiness to assist, though logistical challenges remain due to damaged infrastructure and the complex political situation.
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