Eyewitness accounts reveal widespread panic and destruction in Myanmar and Thailand after a powerful earthquake struck. With many trapped under rubble and emergency responses underway, the situation remains dire as officials declare a state of emergency.
Chaos and Despair Prevail as Major Earthquake Strikes Myanmar and Thailand
Chaos and Despair Prevail as Major Earthquake Strikes Myanmar and Thailand
Residents from both countries recount their harrowing experiences following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that disrupted lives and collapsed buildings.
Residents in Myanmar and Thailand are reeling from the violence of a powerful earthquake rated at 7.7 on the Richter scale, which shook the region on Friday. The tremors not only toppled buildings throughout both nations but also elicited fears and chaos as residents rushed into the streets for safety.
A resident based in Yangon shared his harrowing experience, describing how the earthquake, which lasted between three to four minutes, jolted him from his nap and sent him scrambling for information as friends messaged him about the widespread impact. As the quake was felt across Thailand and as far as China, a 30-storey building in Bangkok buckled under the force, endangering the lives of 43 construction workers trapped beneath the crumbled structure.
Sirinya Nakuta, a mother with young children, described the horror she faced in her apartment as debris fell from above, prompting her to urgently evacuate. Meanwhile, local police officials reported hearing cries for help from victims underneath the collapsed building in Bang Sue district, confirming that emergency services were overwhelmed with injuries and casualties that are still being evaluated.
Myanmar’s military-led government declared Nay Pyi Taw General Hospital a "mass casualty area" to handle the influx of injured victims. Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing made an unusual call for international support to deal with the crisis, emphasizing the need for humanitarian aid due to the overwhelming devastation in six regions across the country.
The chaotic aftermath in areas like Bangkok saw metro services disrupted, as residents recounted fleeing restaurants and shops amid trembling walls. One eyewitness, Deborah Punmachet, recalled being caught off guard, when her chair suddenly tipped over, leaving her shaken but unhurt.
Tragic scenes emerged on social media from locations in Mandalay, showcasing fallen historical structures and infrastructure damage, including a 90-year-old bridge that collapsed. The U.S. Geological Survey responded with a "red alert," highlighting the potential for high casualties as damage assessments continue, with estimates indicating a possibly severe toll on human life.
As the recovery initiative begins, both nations brace for the grim realities as the extent of the destruction becomes clearer.
