Powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake strikes Myanmar, shakes Thailand & surrounding regions

KATHMANDU: A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday afternoon, causing widespread destruction in the capital, Naypyidaw, damaging buildings, and triggering panic in neighboring Thailand. The US Geological Survey reported that the quake, with a magnitude of 7.7, hit northwest of Sagaing city, followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock minutes later.

In Naypyidaw, the extensive roads with 20 lanes were severely damaged, with large chunks of rooftops falling and roads crumbling. AFP journalists were inside the National Museum when the tremors began. As the shaking started, staff members quickly rushed outside, with debris falling from the building. Some were visibly shaken, some with tears in their eyes, and others were frantically trying to reach loved ones via phone. The shaking continued for about 30 seconds before it subsided.

While no casualties have been reported immediately, the quake sent shockwaves across cities near northern Thailand and even caused panic in the capital, Bangkok. In Thailand, some buildings were damaged, and several metro and light rail services were halted. Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha cut short a visit to Phuket and convened an “emergency meeting” in response to the earthquake.

In southwestern China’s Yunnan province, the tremor was also felt, with the Beijing Earthquake Agency registering a 7.9 magnitude earthquake. Myanmar is prone to earthquakes, particularly around the Sagaing Fault, where strong quakes occurred from 1930 to 1956. A 6.8 magnitude quake in 2016 struck the ancient city of Bagan, causing fatalities and destruction.

Experts warn that Myanmar’s cities remain vulnerable due to rapid urban development, outdated infrastructure, and poor urban planning. The country’s healthcare system, especially in rural areas, is also underdeveloped.

In Bangkok, the 7.7 magnitude earthquake was recorded, originating from the epicenter in Myanmar. It occurred at approximately 1:30 PM local time, with a depth of 10 kilometers. The Greater Bangkok area, home to over 1.7 million people, saw buildings suffer damage, and metro services were suspended. As the tremor struck, alarms rang in buildings, and residents were quickly evacuated from tall structures, including hotels in the city center. For several minutes afterward, people took to the streets, seeking shelter from the midday heat. Though no immediate reports of casualties or severe damage surfaced, the quake was strong enough to make water spill from city ponds.

The earthquake’s epicenter was located around 50 kilometers east of Monyaw city in central Myanmar, although no immediate information was available regarding its impact on Myanmar, where civil conflict continues. In Thailand, a 30-story skyscraper under construction in northern Bangkok collapsed, trapping 43 workers inside. Emergency responders and police reported that the building was reduced to rubble within moments of the quake’s arrival.

In the wake of the devastation, Thai authorities declared a state of emergency in Bangkok. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra confirmed this declaration on Friday, acknowledging the widespread damage in the capital, including the collapse of the under-construction skyscraper.