Thailand PM Declares ‘Emergency’ in Bangkok As Massive Earthquakes Strike Myanmar
Two powerful earthquakes of magnitudes 7.7 and 6.4 rocked Myanmar on Friday, causing the iconic Ava Bridge in Mandalay to collapse and sending strong tremors as far as Bangkok, where Thailand’s Prime Minister declared a state of emergency. The quakes, centered near Sagaing, also triggered aftershocks felt in India’s northeastern states, including Meghalaya.
The first earthquake, registering 7.7 on the Richter scale, hit central Myanmar at 11:50 AM IST, followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock within minutes. The epicentre, located near Sagaing, lies along the seismically active Sagaing Fault. The tremors caused significant damage, with the historic Ava Bridge plunging into the Irrawaddy River and multiple buildings collapsing in Mandalay.
Reports indicate the shallow depth of the quakes amplified their impact, raising concerns about potential casualties, though no official figures have been released yet.
Approximately 900 km away, Bangkok experienced intense tremors, leading to the collapse of an under-construction high-rise in the Chatuchak district. Over 40 workers are reportedly trapped under the rubble. Videos online captured the chaos as buildings swayed, water spilled from rooftop pools, and residents fled in panic.
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Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared a state of emergency in the capital, suspending metro and rail services to ensure public safety. No immediate casualties were reported in Bangkok, but businesses shut down for the day.
The quakes’ reach extended beyond Myanmar and Thailand. In India’s northeastern states, including Meghalaya, aftershocks measuring 4.0 were recorded, prompting residents to stay alert. China’s Yunnan province, bordering Myanmar, also reported feeling the tremors, as confirmed by AFP.
The widespread impact underscores the magnitude of the seismic event, felt across Southeast Asia and parts of South Asia.
A Chiang Mai resident recounted the ordeal, saying, “I was sleeping in the house, and then I ran as far as I could in my pyjamas out of the building.” Social media platforms were flooded with videos showing malls and high-rises shaking violently, with one clip capturing water splashing from an infinity pool atop a skyscraper.
In Bangkok, the collapse of the Chatuchak high-rise left a plume of smoke, highlighting the structural risks in the region during such events.
Myanmar’s location near the Sagaing Fault makes it prone to earthquakes. The USGS notes that the country has experienced significant quakes in the past, including a 6.8-magnitude event in Bagan in 2016 that killed three people. Amid an ongoing civil war and strained medical system, the nation faces challenges in responding to this disaster.
The collapse of the Ava Bridge, a key infrastructure link, adds to concerns about recovery efforts in the affected areas.
A Myanmar official from the Fire Services Department told Reuters, “We have started the search and are checking for casualties and damage in Yangon.” In Thailand, the Prime Minister’s office stated, “We are taking all measures to ensure safety and assess the situation.”
The USGS confirmed the quakes’ details, warning of possible aftershocks in the coming hours.
Rescue operations are underway in Bangkok to free the trapped workers, while Myanmar authorities work to gauge the full extent of the damage. With aftershocks ongoing, both nations remain on high alert. Updates on casualties and further impacts are expected as emergency teams continue their efforts.
