Devastating Earthquake Strikes Near Mandalay, Myanmar
A powerful earthquake hit near Mandalay, the second-largest city in Myanmar, on Friday, causing significant destruction and loss of life across Southeast Asia. The quake, measured at a magnitude of 7.7, occurred just before 1 p.m. local time, followed by a strong aftershock of 6.4 magnitude just 11 minutes later. The tremors were felt across a vast region, impacting areas in southern China and Vietnam, and reaching as far as Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, where a 30-story skyscraper under construction tragically collapsed, resulting in at least three fatalities.
The full scope of casualties and damage in Myanmar, a nation already grappling with a prolonged civil conflict, remains unclear. Initial reports indicate that at least 20 individuals have lost their lives, with hundreds more injured. In Bangkok, the earthquake prompted a mass exodus from buildings as terrified residents rushed into the streets, leading to severe traffic congestion. Videos captured the alarming sight of water surging from rooftop pools of hotels and residential towers, signaling the intensity of the quake’s impact.
Myanmar
- People evacuated from a nearby hospital are seen waiting near a collapsed building in Mandalay.
- The Ava Bridge, a critical structure, suffered severe damage and is now in ruins.
- An earthquake survivor is seen anxiously awaiting care at a hospital in Naypyidaw.
- Destruction is evident along the roads in Naypyidaw, with debris scattered everywhere.
- A medical officer tends to injured individuals outside a hospital in Naypyidaw, highlighting the urgent need for medical assistance.
- Numerous pagodas in Naypyidaw have been destroyed, showcasing the cultural loss incurred by the disaster.
- Damage is also visible in the compound of a hospital in Naypyidaw.
Thailand
- Rescue teams are working tirelessly at a construction site in Bangkok where a building has collapsed, searching for survivors.
- The moment of collapse was captured, showing the catastrophic event as it unfolded.
- People in Bangkok were advised to evacuate buildings and were cautioned against returning inside due to fears of aftershocks.
- An injured man is being rescued at the site of the collapsed building, illustrating the ongoing rescue efforts.
- Crowds have gathered on the streets of Bangkok, visibly shaken by the quake and its aftermath.
- Dust and debris cover the streets following the collapse in the Chatuchak area of Bangkok, a stark reminder of the earthquake’s power.
