In brief
A powerful earthquake in Myanmar has led to the collapse of a high-rise building in Bangkok, trapping many migrant workers inside. Rescue teams are tirelessly searching for survivors amid a sea of rubble, fueling hope amidst despair.
In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar, a high-rise construction site in Bangkok has become the focus of frantic rescue efforts as dozens of workers remain missing under piles of debris. The earthquake, which was felt strongly in Bangkok, resulted in the collapse of a 33-story building, leaving eight confirmed dead and many more feared trapped.Rescue workers toiled under sweltering conditions, with temperatures soaring as high as 96 degrees Fahrenheit, as they sifted through the remnants of the fallen structure, which stood near Chatuchak Park. As of Saturday morning, crews reported detecting signs of life in 15 different locations, igniting hope among anxious family members gathered at the site.Suriyachai Rawiwan, the head of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, confirmed the presence of survivors under as much as 10 feet of rubble, but by the afternoon, updates on any rescues continued to be elusive. The majority of those missing were part of the 320-person crew working on the new building for the Thai government.Among the distressed relatives was Than Htike, a construction worker from Myanmar, who managed to escape the collapsing structure but has been left anxiously awaiting news of his wife, who was working on the sixth floor. “I only want my wife back,” he lamented, joined by others similarly affected.Economic struggles in Myanmar have driven many laborers like Than Htike to seek better opportunities in Thailand, where they earn a modest wage of approximately 400 Thai baht ($10) per day. Natthanan Kaewkaiyasit, whose partner is also missing, expressed her determination to remain hopeful despite the grim circumstances: "We have to hope for miracles. I will stay here, waiting."Aubonrat Setnawet, who was present at the site when the quake struck, described her fear as the building swayed and then fell apart around her. She and other workers continue to hope for miraculous outcomes as rescue operations proceed.As rescue crews remain committed to uncovering a glimmer of survival amidst the tragedy, the situation continues to develop, with many people holding their breath for miraculous news from beneath the rubble.
