A dramatic video has emerged on social media, capturing the harrowing moment a building in Chatuchak Park in Bangkok collapsed after a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar. The footage, which was shared on X, shows construction workers fleeing the site as the structure crumbled within seconds, sending a massive cloud of dust billowing into the air. This building, which was still under construction, was reduced to mere rubble.
Thai authorities have reported that one person tragically lost their life and approximately 50 others were injured due to the collapse. In the aftermath of the earthquake, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport confirmed that it was operating normally despite the seismic activity felt throughout the region. The airport released an operational update roughly two hours after the earthquake, which occurred about 16 kilometers (10 miles) north-northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar, at around 12:50 p.m. local time.
Witnesses in Myanmar’s city of Mandalay, which has a population of about 1.6 million, reported seeing buildings collapse as the tremors from the 7.7-magnitude earthquake were felt strongly. One eyewitness recounted watching a five-story building “collapse in front of my eyes.” Another resident, Htet Naing Oo, described the dire situation, stating that a tea shop had collapsed with several individuals trapped inside. “We couldn’t go in,” she told Reuters. “The situation is very bad.”
As of now, there has been no immediate official report from Myanmar authorities regarding the extent of the damage. An officer from the Myanmar Fire Services Department indicated that search operations for casualties and structural damage were underway in the city of Yangon. “So far, we have no information yet,” the officer stated.
According to Bangkok’s National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEM), one individual remains trapped under the rubble of the collapsed high-rise building. Earlier reports from the NIEM had indicated that as many as 43 people were trapped in the structure when it fell within seconds. This tragic event highlights the devastating impact of the earthquake that originated near Sagaing, Myanmar.
Mandalay, known as Myanmar’s cultural and religious capital, is home to numerous Buddhist monasteries and significant historical sites, including the former Royal Palace. The city has been a critical logistics and business hub, located along a vital trade route leading to the border with China, Myanmar’s largest trading partner. The ongoing civil unrest in the country has severely affected this route, impacting commerce and depriving the military government of substantial tax revenue.
Following the earthquake, many residents in Myanmar experienced disrupted communication. A resident in Yangon reported that they felt tremors for several minutes and were unable to make phone calls for about 30 minutes after the quake struck around 12:53 p.m. local time. However, the internet was reportedly functioning normally. “Electricity is unavailable - but normally we only have less than 12 hours of it on a daily basis,” the resident shared via text, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the local populace.
As rescue efforts continue, the full extent of the earthquake's damage in both Thailand and Myanmar remains to be seen. Authorities are working diligently to assess the situation and provide assistance to those affected by this natural disaster.
