A significant earthquake struck Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, on Friday, causing a skyscraper under construction to collapse and claiming at least three lives. The number of people trapped is in the dozens. According to preliminary reports from Germany’s GFZ center for geosciences, the earthquake’s epicenter was located in neighboring Myanmar. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) measured the earthquake at 7.7 magnitude, followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock.

Residents of Bangkok fled to the streets after experiencing the intense tremors. Police confirmed the collapse of a highrise under construction that was intended to become a government office building, with 81 people trapped, according to Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt reported damage to numerous high-rise buildings and cautioned citizens to be vigilant.

The earthquake also had a significant impact in Myanmar, where its epicenter was located near the city of Sagaing. Roads were damaged, and buildings suffered partial collapses, including a mosque. The Red Cross expressed concerns about the earthquake’s effect on infrastructure, such as dams and public buildings.

Under Myanmar’s military rule, which followed the ouster of the elected civilian government in 2021, the country was already facing turmoil before the earthquake.

Bangkok resident Tommy Walker described the panic as people evacuated buildings, and some metro and light rail lines were temporarily suspended.

The tremors were also felt in China’s Yunnan province, with Beijing’s quake agency measuring the magnitude at 7.9. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the country was ready to assist Myanmar and Thailand. European organizations expressed their support and readiness to provide further aid.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/major-earthquake-hits-myanmar-felt-in-bangkok/a-72065550?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf