The 7.7-magnitude earthquake at noon on March 28 destroyed many monasteries and houses in Myanmar, collapsed a 30-story building under construction in Thailand, and is expected to cause major casualties. Rescue efforts remain ongoing.
Significant Impact in Myanmar
The epicenter of the earthquake was detected near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) issued a red alert, estimating that the impact could be severe.
Myanmar Earthquake
Initial reports confirmed at least 144 casualties and 732 injuries in Myanmar, with officials declaring a state of emergency in the capital, Naypyidaw.
“Casualties may increase,” stated Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of Myanmar’s armed forces. “Buildings have sustained damage in several areas, and rescue operations are underway.”
In the town of Taungoo, at least three were k!lled in the town of Taungoo when a mosque partially collapsed. Meanwhile, local media reported that two people lost their lives and 20 others were injured following a hotel collapse in Aung Ban.
Extensive Damage in Thailand
The impact extended hundreds of miles into neighboring Thailand, where an under-construction 30-story skyscraper collapsed in Bangkok, resulting in at least eight fatalities.
Authorities confirmed that at least 80 individuals remained trapped under the debris as of Friday night, according to Thailand’s Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.
Footage shared on social media captured the moment the skyscraper crumbled, sending a large cloud of dust into the air as onlookers reacted in shock. The collapse occurred near the popular Chatuchak market, further adding to the distress.
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Bangkok’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, confirmed that at least two additional casualties occurred in the Thai capital. Authorities have declared Bangkok a disaster-stricken area to facilitate rescue operations and assess structural damage across the city.
Aftershocks and Ongoing Concerns
Following the initial quake, a powerful 6.4-magnitude aftershock struck the region, compounding the challenges. The depth of the original earthquake was measured at 6.2 miles, making it a particularly shallow and impactful event.
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The greater Bangkok area, home to over 17 million people, witnessed scenes of concern, with residents and hotel guests rushing into the streets. Witnesses described water cascading from an elevated pool at a luxury hotel as guests hurried outside in bathrobes and swimsuits.
Rescue operations remain underway, with emergency responders working diligently to locate survivors beneath the debris. Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage, noting that the number of affected individuals may increase in the coming days.
International Response and Aid Efforts
Given the scale of the disaster, international assistance may be required. The USGS warned that past red-alert earthquakes have often necessitated national and international responses. Relief organizations are mobilizing resources to aid those impacted by the quake.
As rescue workers persist in their efforts, the people of Myanmar and Thailand face the challenge of recovery, honoring those lost while hoping to find more survivors amid the rubble.
Source: nypost.com