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Major Earthquake Devastates Myanmar and Thailand, Thousands Feared Dead
A powerful earthquake has struck Myanmar and Thailand, triggering widespread destruction and raising concerns of catastrophic flooding from potential dam collapses. Initial reports suggest thousands may have perished in the disaster. The US Geological Survey (USGS) anticipated significant casualties following the magnitude 7.7 quake, which originated near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second most populous city. Germany’s GFZ also confirmed a subsequent 6.4 magnitude aftershock struck the region just 12 minutes later, further compounding the crisis. This earthquake event marks a significant seismic event impacting Southeast Asia.
Catastrophic Impact in Myanmar
Mass Casualty Situation in Naypyidaw
Hospitals in Naypyidaw, Myanmar’s capital, are overwhelmed, declaring a ‘mass casualty area’ as they grapple with a surge of victims. Officials anticipate a rising death toll as reports of collapsed buildings and widespread debris emerge. A doctor at a major Naypyidaw hospital, speaking to AFP, described the unprecedented situation, stating, “I haven’t seen something like this before… We are trying to handle the situation. I’m so exhausted now.”
Expert Seismologist Predicts High Fatalities
Professor Ian Main, a seismology expert from the University of Edinburgh, highlighted the severity of the situation. “The damage is likely to be very severe near the epicenter, based on the estimated intensity of ground shaking… and vulnerability of buildings.” Referencing the USGS’s “PAGER” impact report, he stated, “The USGS ‘PAGER’ forecast loss is, sadly, most likely to be in the range 10,000-100,000 fatalities.”
Mandalay Mosque Collapse and School Tragedy
In Mandalay, a mosque crumbled under the force of the earthquake, reportedly killing at least ten worshippers. Compounding the tragedy, over 20 children are feared trapped within the wreckage of a school in Taungoo, central Myanmar, increasing concerns about child casualties in this natural disaster.
Thailand Reels from Seismic Shockwaves
Bangkok Skyscraper Collapse
Dramatic footage has emerged from neighboring Thailand showing workers fleeing as a 30-story high-rise building under construction in Bangkok succumbed to the tremors. The skyscraper toppled, resulting in at least three fatalities. Local authorities have reported rescuing dozens of workers from the debris, but approximately 90 remain missing, sparking urgent rescue efforts. A mushroom cloud of dust enveloped the streets of northern Bangkok as the building collapsed near the bustling Chatuchak Market.
Eyewitness Accounts of Panic and Devastation
Worapat Sukthai, deputy police chief of Bang Sue district, recounted the chaotic scenes: “I heard people calling for help, saying ‘help me’,” adding, “I fear many lives have been lost. We have never experienced an earthquake with such a devastating impact before.” Rescuers are confronted with a massive heap of rubble at the collapse site.
City-wide Evacuations and Travel Disruption
Startled Bangkok residents were evacuated from high-rise buildings and hotels following the earthquake, which struck around 1:30 pm local time. Tourist Kelly Rhodes, staying at the Okura Prestige in Bangkok, described being evacuated down 24 flights of stairs and the subsequent chaos as “airlines began to halt some flights,” stating, “We are now trying to organise flights out but it’s chaos… We can’t get out of the city. Traffic is at a standstill, total gridlock.” The tremors were powerful enough to cause water to spill from elevated swimming pools across the city.
Panic in Bangkok Streets and Malls
Witnesses in Bangkok described widespread panic as people rushed into the streets, including hotel guests in bathrobes. Fraser Morton, a tourist from Scotland shopping in a Bangkok mall, recounted, “All of a sudden the whole building began to move, immediately there was screaming and a lot of panic… people running the wrong way down the escalators, lots of banging and crashing inside the mall.” Like many others, Morton sought safety in Benjasiri Park, away from tall structures.
Myanmar’s Existing Challenges Hamper Relief Efforts
The earthquake struck Myanmar amid an ongoing four-year civil conflict, compounding the nation’s vulnerability. The isolated military junta has made a rare appeal for international assistance and declared a state of emergency in the six most severely impacted regions. Hospitals are struggling to cope with the influx of injured. At a 1,000-bed general hospital in Naypyidaw, numerous wounded individuals were treated outdoors. A doctor there reported, “About 20 people died after they arrived at our hospital so far. Many people were injured.”
Damage to Historical Sites and Infrastructure
In Mandalay, the earthquake inflicted damage upon parts of the former royal palace and other structures. While Myanmar is earthquake-prone, the affected areas are generally sparsely populated with mostly low-rise buildings. However, infrastructure damage is substantial. A 90-year-old bridge in the Sagaing region collapsed, and sections of the highway connecting Mandalay and Yangon have been damaged. Religious shrines in Naypyitaw also suffered damage, with parts toppling.
Regional Tremors and Aftermath
Buildings in Bangkok sustained damage, and some metro and light rail services in the Thai capital were temporarily suspended. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra convened an emergency meeting, interrupting an official visit. Tremors were also felt in China’s Yunnan province, with Beijing’s quake agency reporting a magnitude 7.9 jolt. Myanmar is located in a seismically active region, with a history of strong earthquakes along the Sagaing Fault. Experts warn that rapid urban development and infrastructure challenges in Myanmar exacerbate the country’s vulnerability to earthquakes.