Magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Myanmar triggers collapse of Bangkok high-rise | In Pics

Aftershock Follows: Minutes after the first quake, a 6.4 magnitude aftershock jolted the same area near Sagaing, as reported by the USGS. Aftershocks like this often follow big earthquakes and can worsen damage to already shaky buildings. Authorities quickly warned people to stay alert, as more tremors could strike soon, adding to the tension in the affected region.

Tremors Spread: The quakes’ effects rippled outward, shaking cities in Thailand and Vietnam. In Bangkok, buildings wobbled, and rooftop pools spilled water onto streets. In Ho Chi Minh City, office workers watched chandeliers sway wildly. One worker, Vy Nguyen, recalled, “The shaking was so strong, a guest hid under a table.” The far-reaching tremors showed the quake’s massive power.

Bangkok Building Falls: In Bangkok, a high-rise under construction near Chatuchak Market collapsed into rubble during the quake. Videos online showed the structure, topped with a crane, falling in a cloud of dust. Police and rescue teams raced to the site, but it’s still unclear how many people were hurt. Efforts continue to find anyone trapped in the wreckage of this dramatic collapse.

City in Chaos: Panic took over Bangkok as the ground shook. Tourist Fraser Morton was in a mall when chaos erupted. “The building started moving, and people screamed,” he said. “Shoppers ran down escalators the wrong way amid loud crashes.” Many fled to open areas like Benjasiri Park, desperate to avoid tall buildings as fear gripped the bustling city.

Services Halted: The quake brought Bangkok to a standstill. The BTS skytrain, a key transport system, stopped running to keep passengers safe. Trading at the stock and futures exchanges also paused, a sign of how serious the situation was. These disruptions, along with closed roads and businesses, reflected the city’s efforts to check for damage and brace for possible aftershocks.

Myanmar Devastated: In Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-biggest city, the earthquake left destruction in its wake. Buildings fell, scattering debris across streets. A tea shop collapsed, trapping people inside, while a five-storey structure crumbled nearby. Local Htet Naing Oo said, “It’s awful; we can’t get in to help.” Rescue workers are scrambling to save those stuck, despite limited resources.

Tsunami Alert: Chinese officials issued a tsunami warning due to the quake’s strength and location near Myanmar. The tremors reached Yunnan province in China, where people felt the ground move despite the distance. No deaths were reported there yet, but the alert highlighted the quake’s potential to cause even wider problems, keeping coastal areas on high alert.

Leaders Respond: Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was in Phuket, called for urgent meetings to evaluate the quake’s toll and plan relief. In Myanmar, officials started inspecting the damage, a tough job given the country’s weak healthcare and remote villages. Both nations are gearing up for a big recovery effort, possibly needing help from other countries to rebuild.