A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Southeast Asia, causing destruction and claiming the lives of more than 100 individuals with many others still missing across regions from Myanmar to Thailand. The impact of the quake reached as far as Bangkok, approximately 600 miles from the tremor’s epicenter in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. Significant damage, including the collapse of a skyscraper under construction, was witnessed in various areas. The catastrophe has triggered a massive response around the world, with leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump expressing readiness to provide assistance. As the affected countries grapple with the aftermath, efforts are underway to support those in need and assess the extent of the devastation.
Eight people were killed in the collapse, and over 100 individuals are still missing as rescue efforts continue, according to the police. A resident named Brown, who had lived in Bangkok for 10 years, expressed his shock at the situation, mentioning his uncertainty during the earthquake. The collapse occurred in a skyscraper under construction in Bangkok, where around 320 workers were present when the incident happened. The search for survivors is ongoing, with images showing workers fleeing from the collapsing building and rescue teams working at the site.
In another report, the military government of Myanmar announced that 144 people had died and over 700 were injured in the aftermath of the earthquake. The head of the government shared the death toll and highlighted the urgent need for rescue operations in various affected areas. International assistance has been requested, and a state of emergency has been declared in response to the disaster.
Pope Francis, who had recently recovered from pneumonia, extended his condolences to the victims of the earthquake in Southeast Asia, particularly in Myanmar and Thailand. He expressed his solidarity with those affected by the tragedy and offered prayers for the deceased and injured, as well as for the emergency responders involved in rescue efforts.
Journalist Marisa Abel, currently on vacation in Bangkok, shared her experience of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that shook her hotel. She described waking up to everything moving and alerting her partner about the situation. Abel likened the earthquake’s motion to being on a boat and recounted the harrowing experience of descending 15 flights of stairs to reach safety on the street below. Hotel guests were then guided to a nearby park for refuge, where Abel appreciated the assistance and support provided by the staff and other guests. Despite feeling terrified, she found comfort in the collective calmness exhibited by those in her vicinity during the crisis.
