At least 144 people were killed in Thailand and Myanmar on Friday by a strong earthquake that also destroyed bridges and buildings and trapped more than 80 workers in a Bangkok skyscraper that was still under construction.
A 6.4-magnitude aftershock occurred minutes after the shallow 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck northwest of the city of Sagaing in central Myanmar.
The devastating effects of the earthquake led Myanmar’s remote military regime, which has seen large areas of its territory fall to armed groups, to make an unusual plea for foreign assistance. All six of the most afflicted areas were placed under a state of emergency.
According to state-run MRTV on the Telegram messaging service, a significant earthquake that shook Myanmar on Friday left at least 144 people dead and 732 injured.
Three people were confirmed killed in Thailand’s skyscraper collapse, but 81 others are still unaccounted for and thought to be trapped in the twisted metal and debris of the still-under-construction structure.
With hundreds of victims swarming a hospital in the capital, Naypyidaw, Myanmar appeared to have taken the worst of the earthquake. Medics were treating patients outside when the emergency department’s entryway collapsed upon a car.
“This is a mass casualty area,” a hospital representative said as he pushed reporters away.
“This is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. We’re attempting to manage the matter. A doctor told AFP, “I’m so tired now.”
As the ruling military requested international assistance, AFP correspondents witnessed junta leader Min Aung Hlaing arrive at the hospital.
At the hospital, junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun told AFP, “We want the international community to give humanitarian aid as soon as possible.”
Given that Myanmar’s infrastructure and medical system have been devastated by four years of civil conflict, the junta’s unusual appeal raises the possibility of widespread damage and casualties.
The ruling military in Myanmar, which is battling a civil war against an armed insurrection, will be further stretched by the earthquake. While declaring a state of emergency in some areas, the junta did not specify the extent of the damage or the number of casualties.
“The state will promptly investigate the situation and carry out rescue operations in addition to offering humanitarian assistance,” it stated on the Telegram messaging app.
According to the Red Cross, buildings, bridges, and highways throughout Myanmar had sustained damage, and the condition of big dams was a cause for concern.
The ancient royal capital of Myanmar, Mandalay, is located in the middle of the Buddhist core of the nation.
Social media posts revealed the city’s streets littered with debris and crumbled structures. Reuters was unable to confirm the posts right away.
collapse of a skyscraper
In Thailand, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai informed reporters that a structure under construction near the expansive Chatuchak market collapsed, killing at least three workers and trapping 81 more.
Rescuers were inspecting the tangle of wreckage and twisted metal seeking a safe approach to look for survivors, an AFP photographer at the scene reported.
“I heard people calling for help, saying ‘help me’,” Worapat Sukthai, deputy police commander of Bang Sue district, told AFP.
He stated, “We estimate that hundreds of people are injured.”
Stunned locals in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, a popular tourist destination in the north, rushed outside as the power momentarily went out, uncertain of how to react to the strange earthquake.
When the shop began to tremble, Sai, 76, who was working at a minimart in Chiang Mai, stated, “I hurried out of the shop along with other customers.”
“I’ve never felt a tremor this strong in my life.”
Damaged buildings
Bangkok’s already infamous traffic was further snarled when Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared an emergency zone, suspending some metro and light rail services.
The capital’s streets were crowded with commuters trying to make their way home on foot or seeking cover at the entrances of shopping centers and office buildings.
For people who are unable to sleep at home, city officials said that parks will remain open overnight.
China, Cambodia, Bangladesh, and India reported vibrations from the earthquake, which was felt throughout the region.
India, France, and the European Union all offered to help. In the city of Ruili, on the Chinese border with Myanmar, a livestream by state-affiliated Beijing News showed about a dozen emergency personnel wearing orange jumpsuits and helmets on a street littered with fallen masonry. A video uploaded to Douyin, the Chinese equivalent of TikTok, and geolocated by AFP showed a stream of water and debris pouring from the roof of a high-rise building in Ruili as people fled through a street market below.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), six powerful earthquakes with a magnitude of 7.0 or higher occurred in the vicinity of the Sagaing Fault, which runs across the center of Myanmar from north to south. Earthquakes are comparatively common in Myanmar.
Three people were murdered in 2016 by a strong 6.8-magnitude earthquake that destroyed the tourist destination’s spires and crumbling temple walls in Bagan, the historic capital of central Myanmar.
Pakistan shows support for those affected by the disaster.
In the meantime, the Foreign Office said that Charge d’Affaires (CdA) Anwar Zeb (+959880922880), Counselor Muhammad Shoaib (+959448999967), and Consular Assistant Ali Sher (+959457099977) could be contacted in Yangon, while First Secretary Fahad (+66 95 968 1506) and Consular Assistant Yaseen (+66 91 697 7702) could be contacted in Bangkok. The Foreign Office also stated that the embassies in Bangkok and Yangon would be ready to assist Pakistanis in the event of emergencies, and that the Crisis Management Unit (CMU) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was also activated to keep an eye on the situation.
“In the wake of this unprecedented natural calamity, Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with the brotherly people of Thailand and Myanmar,” the statement read.
It also conveyed sorrow for the terrible disaster.
“Everyone affected by this tragedy is in our thoughts and prayers, and we pray for a speedy recovery for those who were hurt,” the FO stated.
The FO praised the brave people and first responders who were hard at work on the ground providing rescue and relief efforts, saying that their dedication and bravery during this critical period were absolutely remarkable.
The message conveyed support for the impacted communities and governments throughout this trying time.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad
We are deeply saddened by the heartbreaking news of the devastating earthquake that has struck Myanmar, Thailand, and neighboring countries. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this tragedy, and we are praying for all those affected as well as for the speedy recovery of the injured.
We applaud the courageous individuals and emergency responders who are working diligently on the ground to deliver rescue and relief efforts. Their bravery and commitment during this urgent time are truly admirable.
We express our solidarity with the governments and communities affected during this challenging period. May strength and resilience lead those impacted towards healing and recovery.
