Naypyidaw (Myanmar), Mar 28: Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.7 and 6.4 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar on Friday. Strong tremors were felt in Thailand’s capital Bangkok.
Strong aftershocks were also felt in Meghalaya and several Indian northeastern states, Bangladesh, and China’s Yunnan province. The epicenter was near Sagaing, Myanmar, leading to widespread damage.
The impact of the quake was so strong that it caused a high-rise under construction building in Bangkok to collapse, trapping over 40 workers. The iconic Ava Bridge in Myanmar’s Mandalay also collapsed into the Irrawaddy River. Many buildings in the affected regions crumbled due to the powerful shaking.
In Bangkok, people ran out of their homes as buildings shook violently. Water from high-rise swimming pools splashed over the edges, and businesses shut down. The city declared an emergency, suspending metro services, flights, and subways.
Several terrifying videos which went viral on social media showed buildings and malls swaying, people fleeing in panic, and a skyscraper’s infinity pool water spilling over. Another video captured the moment an under-construction building collapsed, sending a massive cloud of dust into the air.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the situation in Myanmar and Thailand.
Taking to his official ‘X’ handle, PM Modi wrote, “Praying for the safety and wellbeing of everyone. India is ready to provide all possible assistance. Authorities have been asked to be on standby and stay in touch with Myanmar and Thailand.”
