Residents of Myanmar and Thailand grapple with shock as a 7.7-magnitude earthquake results in significant destruction, injuries, and calls for international aid as the situation unfolds.
Amidst Rubble and Fear: The Aftermath of Myanmar's Devastating Earthquake
Amidst Rubble and Fear: The Aftermath of Myanmar's Devastating Earthquake
A powerful earthquake strikes Myanmar and Thailand, causing devastating structural damage and widespread panic among residents.
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 has struck Myanmar and Thailand, leaving a trail of destruction and panic in its wake. The quake, which occurred on Friday, has left residents stunned as buildings toppled and tremors were felt widely, even reaching parts of China.
In Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, a local resident shared his terrifying experience with the BBC, describing the intense shaking that lasted approximately four minutes. "The tremors were terrifying," he stated, "I woke up to find the building shaking violently," revealing the chaos as messages flooded in from friends confirming widespread tremors throughout the country.
The earthquake wreaked havoc across the region, causing a 30-storey skyscraper in Bangkok to collapse, trapping numerous workers underneath. Eyewitness Sirinya Nakuta recalled the panic as items fell from shelves, compelling her and her children to flee their apartment. “We had to run down. It felt never-ending,” she recalled.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with reports indicating that hundreds have sustained injuries. Worapat Sukthai, deputy police chief of Bang Sue district, recounted the harrowing cries for help he heard as he arrived at the collapse site. Estimates of casualties are still being assessed, as information is scant and communication lines are disrupted.
In response to the disaster, Myanmar's military government has declared a state of emergency across six regions. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing called for urgent international humanitarian aid amidst the chaos, stating, "We want the international community to send humanitarian assistance swiftly."
Residents in Bangkok experienced similar jolts of fear as public transportation ground to a halt. Eyewitness accounts reflect how everyday moments turned into sheer terror as the ground shook unexpectedly. Deborah Punmachet shared her experience when her chair toppled over, leaving her injured in her own home.
Photographs from Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, reveal significant building damage, including parts of the historic royal palace. A critical bridge has crumbled, and major transportation routes have been severely affected.
As the United States Geological Survey issues a "red alert" predicting high casualty numbers, the full extent of the damage remains to be seen, with early estimates hinting at potentially thousands affected. The situation continues to evolve as communities grapple with the aftermath of this natural disaster.
