A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake rocked Southeast Asia, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life.
A major earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, causing immense damage and casualties across Myanmar and Thailand, with emergency declarations issued by authorities, New York Post reported.
The earthquake, centered near Mandalay, Myanmar's second most populous city, had grave repercussions on Friday. The US Geological Survey issued a red alert, estimating the potential death toll to fall between 1,000 and 10,000, underscoring the severity of the disaster.
In Myanmar, confirmed death tolls have reached at least 144, with more than 732 injuries reported. Buildings in several areas collapsed, leading to a state of emergency declared in the capital, Naypyidaw.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing highlighted the likelihood of increasing casualties as search and rescue efforts continue. "Casualties are expected to rise," he mentioned, emphasizing the urgent need for ongoing rescue operations.
A 90-year-old bridge collapsed in Myanmar's Sagaing region, and damage was extensive on the Mandalay-Yangon highway. The historic royal palace in Mandalay and other significant structures also experienced grave damages.
In neighboring Thailand, Bangkok saw significant impacts from the earthquake. An under-construction skyscraper succumbed to the quake, leading to the deaths of at least eight individuals, with two more fatalities confirmed elsewhere in the city.
Thailand’s Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed concern about the instability of the collapsed site, noting many remained trapped. This incident led authorities in Bangkok to declare the city a disaster-stricken area.
Fraser Morton, a tourist from Scotland, recounted his experience during the quake: "All of a sudden the whole building began to move. Immediately there was screaming and a lot of panic. I got outside and then looked up at the building and the whole building was moving, dust and debris, it was pretty intense. Lots of chaos."
The earthquake, which originated at a depth of 6.2 miles, caused widespread fear and chaos. An anonymous witness in Myanmar described the terror of seeing a building collapse, noting the complete evacuation of his town’s homes.
Tourist Paul Vincent from England described the harrowing moments during the quake: "When I saw the building, oh my God, that’s when ... it hit me. There was people crying in the streets and, you know, the panic was horrendous really." The Greater Bangkok area, home to over 17 million people, witnessed severe congestion and panic with sirens blaring incessantly, further adding to the chaos following the tremor.
Across the affected regions, rescue and recovery efforts are critical as authorities work to account for missing persons and provide aid to survivors. Moreover, the earthquake's impact has illuminated the vulnerability of infrastructure in the region.
Ultimately, the disaster serves as a grim reminder of the power of natural forces and the need for preparedness in these vulnerable areas. Meanwhile, as the debris is cleared and the injured receive care, both Myanmar and Thailand are left to assess the path to recovery.
Despite the swift response, local governments face an enormous challenge as they declare emergencies and begin rescue operations. In the long run, the Southeast Asian countries must navigate a difficult road to recovery, coping with the damage and heartbreak left by this powerful earthquake.
