Bangkok Building Collapse Traps Dozens After Myanmar Earthquake
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake originating in Myanmar sent tremors across Thailand on Friday afternoon, causing evacuations in Bangkok and the devastating collapse of a building under construction. The quake, which struck at 1:20 p. m. local time, was centered near Mandalay, Myanmar, at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the Earthquake Observation Division. The Meteorological Department reported that the impact was felt widely across Thailand, including Bangkok. Bangkok Post
The sudden tremor prompted swift evacuations across Bangkok, with businesses temporarily closing. Images online showed crowds gathered outside the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) following the evacuation. Most devastatingly, a 30-story building under construction in the Chatuchak area collapsed, trapping 43 workers, according to police and medics.
Rescue operations are underway, with emergency personnel working to free the trapped workers. Authorities are assessing the damage and monitoring for aftershocks, common after earthquakes of this magnitude.
This incident highlights the region’s seismic vulnerability. Myanmar lies within a seismically active zone and has a history of significant earthquakes. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reports six earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or greater near the Sagaing Fault—a major geological fault line running north-south through central Myanmar—between 1930 and 1956. This underscores the region’s ongoing risk.
Key Developments:
- A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar.
- Tremors were felt across Thailand, including Bangkok.
- Buildings were evacuated, and businesses temporarily closed in Bangkok.
- A 30-story building under construction in Chatuchak collapsed, trapping 43 workers.
- Authorities are assessing damage and monitoring for aftershocks.
This event mirrors similar disasters in other earthquake-prone regions, such as the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria earlier this year. It underscores the destructive power of these natural phenomena and the critical need for preparedness and resilient infrastructure. While earthquake prediction remains challenging, building codes and emergency response protocols are crucial for mitigating impact.
The affected region faces the potential for further damage from aftershocks, which could hamper rescue efforts. The earthquake’s economic impact, including rebuilding costs and business disruption, will likely be substantial. This tragedy highlights the need for improved building codes and disaster preparedness strategies throughout the region, including Myanmar.
In summary, the powerful Myanmar earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of natural disasters and the importance of preparedness. The focus is now on the rescue efforts in Chatuchak and the long road to recovery.
Ring of Fire and Tsunami Potential:
While Myanmar is relatively close to the Ring of Fire, the earthquake originated on the Sagaing Fault, which is not directly part of that zone. Given the earthquake’s inland location, a tsunami is highly unlikely.
