A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar today, sending tremors as far as Bangkok, Thailand, and causing widespread devastation. The quake’s epicenter was located near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, and its force led to the collapse of a high-rise building in Bangkok. The disaster has already claimed multiple lives, with dozens still missing and extensive structural damage reported in both countries.
The Earthquake and Its Impact
The earthquake hit at approximately 10:45 AM local time, shaking buildings in multiple regions across Myanmar and Thailand. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the tremors originated at a depth of around 60 kilometers, making it a particularly powerful event that could be felt over long distances. Residents in cities such as Naypyidaw and Yangon reported strong shaking, with many rushing out of buildings in panic.
In Mandalay, one of Myanmar’s largest cultural and economic hubs, the damage has been severe. Several historic structures, including Buddhist temples and colonial-era buildings, have suffered significant cracks and collapses. The city’s infrastructure has been heavily impacted, with roads buckling, bridges sustaining damage, and power outages reported across many areas. Emergency teams are currently working to assess the full extent of the devastation and rescue those trapped under debris.
Neighboring countries, including India, China, and Laos, also reported feeling the tremors. In parts of Yunnan and Sichuan provinces in China, buildings swayed, and minor structural damage was reported. However, the most serious consequences have been observed in Thailand, where the earthquake led to a catastrophic building collapse in Bangkok.
High-Rise Collapse in Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital, experienced significant shaking due to the earthquake’s intensity. In the heart of the city, a 30-story high-rise building that was under construction collapsed, resulting in a devastating loss of life. At least three fatalities have been confirmed, while around 90 people remain unaccounted for, many of whom are believed to be construction workers and engineers who were working on-site at the time of the collapse.
Eyewitnesses described the moment the building came down, with a loud rumbling sound followed by a massive cloud of dust. Videos shared on social media show panicked residents evacuating nearby buildings as emergency sirens blared. “It felt like the entire ground was moving beneath my feet. Then, suddenly, the building just crumbled like a stack of cards,” said one witness who was near the scene.
Emergency responders, including fire brigades, paramedics, and military personnel, have been working tirelessly to rescue survivors. Rescue operations have been complicated by the unstable structure and ongoing aftershocks, which pose further risks to both survivors and first responders. Authorities have set up a command center to coordinate efforts, and heavy machinery has been brought in to clear the rubble.
Government Response and Relief Efforts
Both Myanmar and Thailand have declared states of emergency in affected regions. The Thai government has mobilized disaster response teams, while Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has vowed to provide all necessary assistance to those affected. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt visited the site of the collapsed high-rise and promised immediate aid to the victims and their families.
In Myanmar, where the devastation is more widespread, the military government has called for international assistance. Hospitals in Mandalay are overwhelmed with injured residents, and emergency shelters have been set up to accommodate those who lost their homes. The Red Cross, along with several other humanitarian organizations, has dispatched teams to assist with rescue and relief operations.
The United Nations and several countries, including China, India, and Japan, have expressed their condolences and offered aid. International rescue teams with specialized equipment have been deployed to Myanmar to assist in locating survivors buried under debris.
Widespread Panic and Ongoing Aftershocks
In Bangkok, panic spread throughout the city as office workers, residents, and tourists evacuated high-rise buildings. Many were seen gathering in open spaces, afraid to return indoors due to fears of further collapses. Experts have warned that aftershocks could continue for the next few days, further increasing the risk of damage to already weakened structures.
Residents in Myanmar have also reported a series of strong aftershocks. One of the largest, measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale, struck just two hours after the initial quake, causing further damage to already compromised buildings. Scientists from the USGS and Thai Meteorological Department are closely monitoring the seismic activity, warning that aftershocks could persist for weeks.
Economic and Infrastructure Damage
The economic impact of the earthquake is expected to be severe. Myanmar, already struggling with political instability, now faces another crisis with the destruction of key infrastructure. Roads, bridges, and communication networks have been severely damaged, hampering rescue and relief operations. Businesses in Mandalay and Yangon have shut down temporarily, further impacting the local economy.
In Thailand, Bangkok’s financial district was shaken but did not suffer significant structural damage apart from the collapsed high-rise. However, the psychological impact on residents and investors is substantial. Real estate developers are facing scrutiny over building safety standards, and authorities are likely to introduce stricter regulations in the wake of this disaster.
Historical Context and Future Precautions
This earthquake is one of the strongest to hit Myanmar in recent years. The region is located along the Sagaing Fault, a major tectonic boundary that has been responsible for several deadly earthquakes in the past. In 2016, a 6.8-magnitude quake struck central Myanmar, damaging over 200 temples in the historic city of Bagan. Today’s earthquake is significantly more powerful and has affected a much larger area.
Seismologists have warned that more earthquakes could occur in the region, emphasizing the need for improved earthquake preparedness and stricter building codes, particularly in urban areas like Bangkok and Mandalay. Thailand, which is not as seismically active as Myanmar, still experiences tremors from nearby fault lines, making it necessary for the government to reassess building regulations and emergency response strategies.
The Human Cost
While the full scale of the disaster is still unfolding, the human toll is already significant. Families are grieving the loss of loved ones, and many are still waiting for news about missing relatives. Rescue teams are racing against time to pull survivors from the rubble, and hospitals are working beyond capacity to treat the injured.
As Thailand and Myanmar recover from this devastating event, the focus will shift to rebuilding and strengthening disaster preparedness. For now, the priority remains on saving lives and providing relief to those who need it most. With international support and coordinated government efforts, the affected communities will slowly begin the long process of recovery.
