Powerful Earthquake Wreaks Havoc Across Thailand and Myanmar

On Friday the region suffered a major 7.7 earthquake near Mandalay, Myanmar which destroyed buildings, severely injured three people in Bangkok. The major earthquake and its 6.4 magnitude after shock created strong vibrations across the area when buildings collapsed.

Scientists measured the earthquake at 7.7 from its location in an earthquake-prone region where shallow earthquakes below 10 kilometers normally create greater destruction. Despite having 17 million residents, Bangkok faced total anarchy when buildings moved and frightened people rushed to leave their homes.

Bangkok witnessed an under-construction building collapse during the earthquake with three deaths and 90 missing persons when the rescue mission started. Teams have rescued seven survivors yet searching for trapped victims becomes more challenging since the unstable debris surrounds them.

Key Highlights:

• Earthquake magnitude: 7.7 with a 6.4 magnitude aftershock
• Epicenter: Near Mandalay, Myanmar
• Depth: 10 kilometers (shallow)
• Three individuals died in the city of Bangkok

The Myanmar military authorities implemented a state of emergency in Naypyitaw and Mandalay as well as four other regions. Despite this, the Red Cross finds it difficult to deliver help to injured regions due to the ongoing civil war. The Bangkok city hall used emergency procedures to label the city as a disaster zone and enable quick disaster response.