7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Central Myanmar, Causes Panic and Damage in Bangkok

International International News

Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-03-28 08:38:13 |

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A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck central Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread panic and significant damage in both Myanmar and neighboring Thailand. The earthquake occurred around midday and was followed by a strong aftershock of magnitude 6.4. According to preliminary reports from the US Geological Survey and Germany's GFZ Centre for Geosciences, the quake had a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and its epicenter was located about 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of Monywa in central Myanmar.

In Bangkok, the earthquake's impact was particularly severe, with a high-rise building under construction collapsing. A dramatic video circulating on social media captured the moment the multi-story building, which had a crane on top, crumbled into a cloud of dust. Onlookers could be seen running and screaming as the structure fell. Police reported that they were responding to the scene near the bustling Chatuchak Market, but there was no immediate information on the number of workers present at the time of the collapse.

The quake caused widespread panic across Bangkok, where alarms sounded in many buildings as the tremors struck around 1:30 pm. Residents were evacuated from high-rise apartments, hotels, and office buildings. Many people gathered in the streets, seeking shelter from the sun while staying alert for possible aftershocks. Water from rooftop pools in high-rise buildings was seen sloshing over the edges, and debris fell from several structures.

Thailand's Department of Disaster Prevention reported that the earthquake was felt in almost all regions of the country. In the capital Naypyitaw, Myanmar, the quake caused damage to religious shrines, with some structures toppling to the ground. Some homes were also affected, but there were no immediate reports of casualties or further damage from Myanmar, which is currently facing a civil conflict.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra called an emergency meeting to assess the situation and the potential impact of the earthquake on Bangkok and the surrounding areas, which are home to more than 17 million people. Authorities cautioned residents to remain outside buildings, as the risk of further tremors remained high. The situation is being closely monitored, and rescue operations are underway to assess the damage and provide assistance to those affected.

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