The U.S. Geological Survey and Germany’s GFZ geoscience centre reported that the earthquake was shallow, striking at a depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) with its epicentre in Myanmar.
By Titilope Adako
A massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake rocked Myanmar and Thailand on Friday, violently shaking high-rise buildings in Bangkok and causing a construction site to collapse, leaving dozens feared trapped.
The powerful tremor struck around 1:30 p.m. local time, forcing mass evacuations across the region.
Just 12 minutes later, a second quake measuring 6.4 magnitudes followed, worsening the destruction.
In Myanmar’s capital, Naypyitaw, roads cracked open, and debris fell from buildings, leading a major hospital to declare a “mass casualty area.”
Emergency responders rushed to assess the extent of the devastation as aftershocks continued to rattle the area.
Bangkok, home to over 17 million people, saw chaos as alarms blared and residents fled swaying high-rises.
Videos captured a construction site crumbling under the tremors, with local reports stating that at least 43 workers remain missing.
Police confirmed they were responding to the collapse near the bustling Chatuchak Market but could not verify the number of workers present at the time.
The U.S. Geological Survey and Germany’s GFZ geoscience centre reported that the earthquake was shallow, striking at a depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) with its epicentre in Myanmar.
Authorities in Bangkok have urged evacuees to remain outside due to the risk of further tremors.
The impact of the quake was felt across the city, with rooftop pools overflowing and debris falling from multiple locations.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has convened an emergency meeting to assess the damage and coordinate rescue efforts.
Meanwhile, first responders continue searching for survivors amid the wreckage.
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