Earthquake Causes Widespread Destruction, Leading to Casualties Across Two Countries
A massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand on Friday, leaving residents in shock and horror as buildings were reduced to rubble. In Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon, locals described the tremors as intense, with one resident telling the BBC that the shaking lasted for several minutes, waking him from a nap and sparking panic among the community.
The impact of the quake was felt across the region, with the tremors reaching as far as China. In Thailand, the collapse of a 30-storey construction tower in Bangkok trapped 43 workers beneath the debris. The destruction was widespread, with residents fleeing to the streets in fear, while rooftop pools in the city splashed water onto the ground below.
“I told my kids we have to get out of here,” said Sirinya Nakuta, who was in her apartment with her children when the earthquake hit. As buildings trembled, she could hear debris crashing down from the floors above.
In Bangkok, authorities reported hearing screams from those trapped beneath the fallen tower block, with estimates suggesting hundreds of injuries. As the scope of devastation became clearer, officials in Myanmar declared a “mass casualty area” at Naypyidaw General Hospital, where patients lay outside on gurneys.
Myanmar’s military junta, which has been in power since the 2021 coup, has called for international aid, declaring a state of emergency across six regions. In a rare move, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing visited the hospital and appealed for foreign humanitarian support. However, due to tight control over communication and internet access, getting information from the ground remains a challenge.
The destruction in Myanmar also affected its cultural heritage, with images from Mandalay showing significant damage to buildings, including parts of the historic royal palace. A 90-year-old bridge was destroyed, and critical infrastructure, including roads linking Yangon to Mandalay, was severely damaged.
As the full scale of the earthquake’s impact continues to emerge, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) issued a “red alert” warning of high casualties and extensive damage. Although the death toll is not yet clear, the USGS estimates that it could reach into the thousands.
