A devastating earthquake, centered in Myanmar, has caused widespread destruction across Southeast Asia, leading to the loss of over 140 lives in the region, as reported by state media sources. Buildings have been toppled, and the impact has reverberated far beyond Myanmar’s borders.
Thailand also felt the quake’s tremors, resulting in at least nine fatalities in Bangkok alone. According to Bangkok’s Deputy Governor, eight individuals were tragically killed when a building under construction collapsed, while the ninth victim was lost at a different site. Rescuers are currently searching for over 110 missing persons in the aftermath of this disaster.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake struck around lunchtime local time, registering a magnitude of 7.7 at a depth of 10 kilometers. The epicenter was located approximately 17 kilometers from Mandalay, Myanmar’s ancient royal capital, which is home to about 1.5 million residents and serves as the heart of the country’s Buddhist culture.
In the aftermath, many buildings, bridges, and roadways have been reported as severely damaged, confirming the quake’s severity. “We all ran out of the house as everything started shaking,” shared a resident of Mandalay with Reuters. “I witnessed a five-storey building collapse before my eyes. Everyone in my town is out on the road, terrified to return indoors.”
Rescue efforts are in full swing, with reports indicating that at least 60 bodies have been recovered from monasteries and collapsed structures in Pyinmanar, near the capital Naypyidaw. “This 60 is only from my charity group and only at Pyinmanar town,” stated a rescue worker from the Moe Saydanar charity group.
It’s worth noting that Myanmar’s military junta is currently embroiled in conflict with insurgents, which may complicate ongoing rescue and relief operations. Unfortunately, such challenges often exacerbate the impact of natural disasters.
In Bangkok and the northern tourist city of Chiang Mai, citizens were left stunned as the ground shook beneath them. Sai, a 76-year-old minimart worker in Chiang Mai, recalled, “I quickly rushed out of the shop along with other customers. This is the strongest tremor I’ve experienced in my life.” In response, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared a state of emergency in the capital, with some metro and light rail services temporarily suspended, further complicating the city’s notorious traffic situation. However, airport services are functioning as usual.
Tremors were reported across the region, with residents in China, Cambodia, Bangladesh, and India also experiencing the quake’s effects. In Ruili, a city on the border with Myanmar, a livestream from Beijing News showcased emergency workers in orange uniforms navigating streets littered with debris, as locals fled shops, seeking safety.
A powerful earthquake is not an uncommon occurrence in Myanmar; between 1930 and 1956, the region experienced six significant earthquakes of 7.0 magnitude or higher, primarily along the Sagaing Fault. More recently, a 6.8-magnitude quake in the ancient capital of Bagan in 2016 resulted in three fatalities and destructive damage to historic sites.
This earthquake serves as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictable power and the resilience required from communities facing such profound challenges.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
