In brief
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand, resulting in widespread destruction and prompting emergency responses across the affected areas.
In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake on Friday, the impact reverberated through both Myanmar and Thailand, shocking residents and causing significant destruction. Eyewitness accounts from Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, revealed the intensity of the tremors, which lasted approximately four minutes. A local resident described the experience as disorienting, waking suddenly to violent shaking and receiving panicked messages from friends across the country.The earthquake prompted the collapse of a 30-story skyscraper in Bangkok, trapping dozens of construction workers under debris, while significant damage occurred in various locations including Mandalay and Naypyidaw. Initially, many residents fled residential buildings, fearing for their safety as items fell and chaos ensued. Sirinya Nakuta recounted her experience, highlighting the urgent need to evacuate her children amidst falling debris.Reports from officials indicated that the situation is dire, with hundreds of injuries expected. Deputy police chief Worapat Sukthai confirmed hearing cries for help from beneath the collapsed tower, while the general hospital in Naypyidaw became a focal point for serious injuries, with patients being treated outside due to overwhelming conditions.In a rare move, the military junta governing Myanmar called for international assistance, declaring a state of emergency in six regions impacted by the quake. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing was seen at Nay Pyi Taw hospital, urging for humanitarian aid from the global community as communication lines and internet access faced significant disruptions, complicating rescue efforts.In Thailand, public transportation services were halted as residents scrambled to safety from various establishments. Individual accounts emphasized the suddenness of the quake, with many in restaurants and homes grappling to comprehend the shaking and seek escape.The U.S. Geological Survey issued a "red alert," indicating high potential for casualties and extensive damage. While the exact death toll remains uncertain, estimates suggest it could escalate into the thousands, given the scale of destruction witnessed in many towns and cities across the region.
