A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar early Saturday, causing widespread destruction across the country and severely impacting neighbouring Thailand. The tremor, which originated in Mandalay, Myanmar, triggered building collapses and infrastructure failures, with aftershocks felt more than 800 miles away in Bangkok.
Women react in Bangkok Credit: LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images
In Bangkok, panic swept the streets as a 30-storey skyscraper collapsed in the bustling Chatuchak district. Dramatic footage shared by bystanders captured thick clouds of smoke and debris engulfing the area as terrified pedestrians fled. Emergency responders confirmed that two people were killed in the collapse, and at least 43 were believed to be trapped in the rubble. Seven individuals have since been rescued.
Injured people receive medical attention near the site of a collapsed building Credit: REUTERS/Ann Wang
Russian tourist Iana, 40, a piano teacher vacationing in Bangkok, described the terrifying scene. “The building was shaking, shaking, shaking. We went down to the first floor and saw all the smoke. People were afraid—50, maybe 60 of us. We didn’t know what it was.”
Meanwhile, in Myanmar, the death toll continues to climb. Local media report that at least 10 worshippers died in the collapse of the historic Shwe Phone Shein Mosque in Mandalay. A rescue worker speaking to the Yangon Times warned the figure could rise.
Further tragedy unfolded in Taungoo, central Myanmar, where more than 20 children are reportedly trapped inside a collapsed school. Rescue efforts are underway, led by charitable organizations and local emergency services.
A worker reacts near a site of a collapsed building Credit: REUTERS/Ann Wang
Additional damage has been reported throughout Myanmar, including the catastrophic collapse of the iconic Ava Bridge into the Irrawaddy River. Numerous temples, residential structures, and government buildings have been destroyed or severely damaged.
In response, Myanmar’s national disaster management committee declared a state of emergency across several regions, including Mandalay, Sagaing, Magway, northeastern Shan State, the Naypyitaw Council Area, and the Bago region.
Search and rescue operations are continuing amid fears of further aftershocks and landslides. Regional governments have issued emergency alerts, and international humanitarian aid is expected to be mobilized in the coming days.
New Daily Prime will continue to monitor developments and provide real-time updates on the humanitarian response and recovery efforts in both Myanmar and Thailand.
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