Myanmar’s military declared a state of emergency after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck, causing damages in Bangkok and Mandalay. Eyewitnesses reported chaos and evacuations in Bangkok, where at least one fatality has been confirmed. Rescue operations continue as authorities await further casualty updates.
On Friday, Myanmar’s military government announced a state of emergency following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that reverberated across the region. The quake’s epicenter was situated approximately 17.2 kilometers from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, resulting in significant tremors felt throughout Thailand, especially in Bangkok, where the city has been declared a disaster area.
As authorities await confirmations regarding casualties in Myanmar, preliminary reports indicate damages in both countries. Particularly in Bangkok, a skyscraper under construction collapsed and various buildings were damaged in Mandalay. Early reports suggest at least one fatality in Bangkok, while emergency services are engaged in rescue operations for dozens trapped under rubble.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos and panic in Bangkok, where individuals hurried to evacuate buildings. Water from a hotel pool overflowed onto the streets, intensifying the sense of urgency. Office towers swayed for several minutes, causing mass evacuations, and emergency staff provided assistance to those in distress. In Mandalay, social media revealed images of structural destruction, although detailed updates on casualties remain forthcoming.
The recent earthquake has led to a dire situation in both Myanmar and Thailand, prompting declarations of disaster in Bangkok and a state of emergency in various Myanmar regions. While initial reports indicate casualties and significant damage, further confirmations are pending. The response from emergency services is ongoing, focused on rescue and recovery efforts.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
