A massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, causing an under-construction skyscraper in Bangkok to collapse. The quake was followed by a strong aftershock measuring 6.4, triggering widespread tremors across the region.
Videos circulating on social media captured scenes of lamp posts swaying violently and the moment the high-rise structure in Bangkok crumbled due to the impact of the quake. The tremors were felt in neighbouring countries, including Thailand, where alarms blared in buildings, prompting evacuations.
Watch the clip here:
No immediate reports of casualties
Despite the dramatic collapse of the skyscraper, there were no immediate reports of casualties. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra convened an emergency meeting to assess the situation and evaluate the extent of the damage.
{{/usCountry}}Despite the dramatic collapse of the skyscraper, there were no immediate reports of casualties. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra convened an emergency meeting to assess the situation and evaluate the extent of the damage.
{{/usCountry}}The greater Bangkok metropolitan area, home to over 17 million people, saw chaotic scenes as residents in high-rise condominiums and hotels rushed down staircases to escape. Many remained in the streets, seeking shade from the afternoon sun in the tense minutes following the tremors.
Epicentre near Monywa, Myanmar faces damage
The earthquake's epicentre was located in central Myanmar, roughly 50 kilometres east of Monywa. In Myanmar’s capital, Naypyitaw, religious shrines sustained damage, with some structures toppling to the ground. Reports also indicated damage to several homes.
However, further details on the extent of destruction in Myanmar remain scarce due to the country’s ongoing civil unrest.
Widespread impact in Thailand
Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention confirmed that the quake was felt in nearly all regions of the country. In Bangkok, alarms went off in high-rises, causing mass evacuations across the densely populated city.
While authorities continue to monitor the situation, the collapse of the Bangkok skyscraper has raised concerns over building safety in earthquake-prone areas. The full impact of the disaster is still being assessed.