A powerful earthquake shook Myanmar on Friday, sending tremors across neighboring Thailand, where a skyscraper under construction collapsed, trapping at least 43 workers.
The quake, with a preliminary magnitude of 7.7, struck near the city of Sagaing in Myanmar at around 12:50 p.m. local time, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). A strong aftershock of 6.4 followed shortly after. The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported the quake’s depth at just 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), making its impact more severe.
Panic in Bangkok as High-Rise Collapses
In Bangkok, terrified residents rushed into the streets as buildings swayed, with witnesses reporting water sloshing out of swimming pools. A 30-story government office building under construction in the city’s north collapsed, trapping workers inside.
“I heard people calling for help, saying, ‘Help me!’” said Worapat Sukthai, deputy police chief of Bangkok’s Bang Sue district. Authorities estimate hundreds may be injured, but the exact number of casualties remains unclear.
Metro and light rail services were temporarily suspended as a precaution.
Widespread Tremors Across the Region
The quake was also felt in northern and central Thailand, including Chiang Mai, where residents described fleeing their homes in panic.
“I was sleeping when I heard it, I ran out in my pajamas as fast as I could,” said Duangjai, a Chiang Mai resident.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra cut short a visit to Phuket to convene an emergency meeting, while the country’s stock exchange halted trading.
Damage in Myanmar
In Myanmar, the quake caused visible destruction, with roads buckling and ceiling debris falling in Naypyidaw, the capital. In Yangon, about 620 kilometers (385 miles) south of the epicenter, emergency teams searched for casualties, though no immediate reports were available.
Social media footage from Mandalay, Myanmar’s ancient royal capital, showed collapsed buildings. “A five-story building crumbled right in front of me,” one witness told Reuters. “Everyone is outside, too scared to go back in.”
Tremors Felt in China
The quake was also felt in China’s Yunnan province, where Beijing’s seismic agency recorded it at 7.9 magnitude. China’s Foreign Ministry said it was closely monitoring the situation.
As rescue efforts continue, authorities in both Thailand and Myanmar are assessing the full extent of the damage.
