A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake has rocked Myanmar and Thailand, killing at least 11 people and leaving dozens feared trapped under collapsed buildings. Rescue operations are underway as emergency teams race against time to pull survivors from the rubble.
The earthquake struck at midday on Friday, with its epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. A strong 6.4-magnitude aftershock followed, causing further destruction. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake was shallow—only 10 kilometers (six miles) deep—intensifying its impact.
In Myanmar, a construction site in Pyi Gyi Tagon township of Mandalay collapsed, killing at least eight people. With many more feared trapped, overwhelmed hospitals and emergency responders are struggling to cope.
“The whole city was affected,” said an eyewitness. “Rescue teams are doing their best, but the situation is dire.”
Meanwhile, in Bangkok, Thailand, a high-rise building under construction came crashing down, burying dozens. Authorities have declared parts of the capital a disaster zone, with 81 people still believed to be trapped.
Elena Cresci, a former Guardian reporter, was on the 28th floor of a building in Bangkok when the tremors hit.
“I thought I was dizzy, then I realized the entire building was swaying,” she recalled. “I ran down the stairs, dodging falling plaster as people shouted for everyone to hurry. By the time I got outside, I saw cracks in the walls. It was terrifying.”
The International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) has raised concerns over damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and large dams. “The impact is expected to be massive,” said Marie Manrique, an IFRC coordinator in Yangon.
Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch has called on Myanmar’s military junta to allow humanitarian aid to reach affected areas. “Blocking relief efforts would only deepen the suffering of those affected,” warned Bryony Lau, Deputy Asia Director at Human Rights Watch.
With aftershocks continuing to rattle the region, fears of more collapses persist. Emergency crews are working urgently to save those still trapped, as authorities warn that the death toll may continue to rise.