Powerful earthquake rocks Southeast Asia, leaving trail of destruction

Powerful earthquake rocks Southeast Asia, leaving trail of destruction! A massive earthquake struck Southeast Asia on Friday, causing widespread destruction, killing several people, and prompting Myanmar’s ruling junta to declare a state of emergency in multiple regions.

The quake, which originated in Myanmar, also affected neighboring Thailand, where a skyscraper under construction collapsed in Bangkok, leaving at least one person dead and several others injured.

Death Toll Rises as Buildings Collapse

At least three people were killed in Taungoo, Myanmar, when a mosque partially collapsed, witnesses reported. Local media also confirmed that two people died and 20 were injured when a hotel crumbled in Aung Ban, Shan State. In Thailand, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced that the quake had claimed three lives in the capital.

Earthquake rocks Southeast Asia

Thailand’s National Institute of Emergency Medicine stated that at least one worker was killed, and dozens were rescued from the collapsed skyscraper in Bangkok. Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic, as people ran into the streets, some still in bathrobes and swimming costumes, after being caught off guard by the earthquake while inside hotels.

Powerful Tremors Shake Region

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the earthquake at a magnitude of 7.7, with a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). The epicenter was located 17.2 km from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, which has a population of approximately 1.5 million people.

The initial quake was followed by a strong aftershock, along with several moderate tremors. Reports indicated that the earthquake caused widespread devastation in Myanmar, toppling buildings in five towns and cities, including Mandalay, Taungoo, and Aung Ban. A railway bridge and a road bridge on the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway were also destroyed, according to state media.

A resident in Mandalay described the terrifying moments:
“We all ran out of the house as everything started shaking. I witnessed a five-storey building collapse in front of my eyes. Everyone in my town is out on the road, and no one dares to go back inside buildings.”

Myanmar Junta Declares State of Emergency

In response to the devastation, Myanmar’s ruling military government declared a state of emergency in multiple regions. The junta, which seized power in 2021, issued a statement on the Telegram messaging app, saying:

“The state will make inquiries on the situation quickly and conduct rescue operations along with providing humanitarian aid.”

The military government has faced international isolation due to its crackdown on dissent since the 2021 coup, and this disaster further complicates the already fragile humanitarian situation in the country.

Scenes of Destruction in Myanmar

Mandalay, Myanmar’s ancient royal capital, is at the heart of the country’s Buddhist heritage. However, after the quake, images on social media showed collapsed buildings, debris-strewn streets, and damaged historical sites.

Local news outlet Myanmar Now posted images of a collapsed clock tower, as well as damage to the historic Mandalay Palace wall.

A witness, Htet Naing Oo, reported that a tea shop in Mandalay collapsed, trapping several people inside.
“We couldn’t go in,” she said. “The situation is very bad.”

Meanwhile, in Taungoo, a mosque collapse killed three worshippers who were inside for prayers when the tremors struck.
“We were saying prayers when the shaking started… Three died on the spot,” an eyewitness told Reuters.

In Aung Ban, local media reported that a hotel collapsed, trapping at least 20 people, while two others were confirmed dead.

In Naypyitaw, Myanmar’s capital, video footage showed a market roof caved in, causing further panic.

Panic and Chaos in Bangkok

In Thailand, the Stock Exchange of Thailand suspended all trading activities for the afternoon session following the tremors.

An office tower in downtown Bangkok swayed violently for two minutes, causing doors and windows to creak loudly. Witnesses reported that hundreds of workers rushed out of the building via emergency exits.

Office worker Varunyou Armarttayakul described his experience:
“At first, I didn’t realize it was an earthquake. But then I saw the table shaking, and my chair and computer started swaying. I only knew for sure when I heard the cracking walls and breaking glass. Part of the ceiling collapsed — that’s when I had to run out.”

Outside, hundreds gathered on the streets, some in shock, while emergency responders assisted the elderly and injured.

China Also Feels the Tremors

The impact of the quake was also felt in China’s southwestern Yunnan province, which borders Myanmar. China’s Xinhua news agency reported strong tremors but no casualties. However, authorities are monitoring the situation for possible aftershocks.

Rescue Efforts Underway

Rescue teams in both Myanmar and Thailand have been deployed to search for survivors amid the rubble. In Myanmar, authorities are prioritizing search and rescue operations in collapsed buildings and damaged bridges.

As emergency teams continue their rescue efforts, concerns remain over aftershocks and the long-term impact of the quake on infrastructure and communities.

For now, the people of Southeast Asia are left grappling with the devastation, as governments and humanitarian organizations rush to provide aid and relief to those affected.