Asia : Powerful earthquakes hits Myanmar, causing destruction in Thailand and beyond

Myanmar was struck by a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake today, unleashing a 6.4-magnitude aftershock, and causing a path of destruction and panic in the area. The earthquake was felt in neighboring countries, particularly Thailand, where buildings collapsed and transport services were halted.

The quake’s epicenter was near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second city, where the ruling military junta has called a state of emergency in six regions and has requested foreign assistance. Several buildings have been reported by Reuters, destroyed as revealed by eyewitness, including a mosque in Mandalay, and at least 10 deaths have been confirmed. In the town of Taungoo, over 20 schoolchildren are reportedly trapped under the wreckage of a collapsed school.

Hospitals in Naypyidaw and Mandalay are with injured victims, and emergency crews continue to search for survivors in the affected areas.

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Impact in Thailand

According to Aljazeera in Bangkok, Thailand, the quake caused the collapse of a 30-story skyscraper that was under construction in the Chatuchak district. Rescue teams are working to pull out the 43 construction workers trapped under the rubble. At least two people have been confirmed by authorities, with fears that the figure might rise as the search operation continues. Public transport have also been affected, with metro and light rail services temporarily suspended as authorities assessed infrastructure safety. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has declared a state of emergency and is directing emergency response efforts.

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Apart from Thailand, the earthquake was felt as far away as China’s Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, where buildings were destroyed and several people were injured. Governments across the region are warning their citizens of possible aftershocks, urging vigilance and preparedness.

As search and rescue operations are ongoing in Thailand and Myanmar, the scale of destruction is yet to be determined. Governments and aid agencies are mobilising to deliver aid and relief to the affected communities.