Bangkok, Thailand — A strong 7.7 magnitude earthquake shook the Thai capital on Friday, causing buildings to sway and rooftop pools to overflow onto the streets. The earthquake, which struck at 11:50 AM local time, was relatively shallow, with an epicenter near Monywa, Myanmar, about 50 kilometers away.
The tremors were felt across the greater Bangkok area, home to over 17 million residents, many living in high-rise apartments. Eyewitness accounts described a dramatic scene as the water from pools cascaded down buildings like waterfalls. One resident noted, “It was like a scene from a movie watching water pour down the skyscraper.”
According to reports from the Thai National Institute for Emergency Medicine, a 30-story building under construction collapsed in Chatuchak Market, trapping at least 43 workers. As of now, two deaths have been confirmed, but rescue efforts are ongoing. “We are still looking for survivors,” the agency stated.
In Myanmar, officials are assessing the damage, although no immediate reports of casualties have surfaced. The military junta, currently in power following a coup, has requested international aid. A hospital in Naypyidaw had to treat patients outside due to the overflow of casualties. “We all ran out as everything started shaking. It was chaos,” said a local witness in Mandalay.
In India’s northeastern states, notably Manipur and Meghalaya, residents also felt the effects of the earthquake. The Indian Meteorological Department reported the first shock measuring 7.2 followed by a second tremor of 7.0 just 12 minutes later, causing many to evacuate their homes.
People in Imphal, the capital of Manipur, experienced strong tremors that rattled their confidence. A local resident from Kangjabi Leirak Nagamapal shared, “We felt the first earthquake as our pond water was shaking; everyone ran out.”
While the impact in Thailand’s capital appears to be minimal, the event raised safety concerns, particularly in high-rise buildings. Structural engineers are assessing potential damages to ensure public safety. Videos from the scene showed numerous other buildings also experiencing water overflow from rooftop pools.
As authorities continue to monitor the situation, they are advising citizens to remain vigilant for aftershocks. The magnitude of this earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the seismic risks in the region.
