Thailand and neighbouring Myanmar took a major hit when a 7.7 magnitude earthquake shook their foundations on Friday, March 28. In light of the calamitous natural disaster (epicenter in Myanmar), dramatic scenes of unstable high-rise buildings and trembling public transport have gone viral on social media.

Making matters even worse, the the midday earthquake was followed by a nearly just as furious 6.4 magnitude aftershock minutes later. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra called an emergency to assess the impact of the violent earthquakes.


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Dramatic earthquake videos from Myanmar, Thailand inspire fear and anxiety

According to the Associated Press’ preliminary report, a 30-story building under construction in Bangkok’s Chatuchak (dubbed the world’s largest weekend market) collapsed after the strong earthquake rocked the Thai capital. According to AFP’s latest update, dozens of workers were trapped under the Bangkok high-rise building which was being constructed at the time of the devastating calamity.

Moreover, Myanmar’s iconic colonial-era Ava Bridge also collapsed among other disastrous aftermaths that followed today’s earthquake.

A video shared by Thai news outlet Matichon Online showed a “Sky Bridge” connecting three buildings of Park Origin Thonglor – a high-rise condominium in Bangkok, breaking apart. Meanwhile, one of the sky-piercing structures could be seen shaking back and forth due to the tremblor. The same scene, as captured from various angles – per numerous X videos, featured water from rooftop or infinity pools racing down in a series of cascades. Debris could also be spotted falling from great heights.

In addition to under construction skyscrapers not surviving the Thailand earthquake, a major hospital in the Myanmar capital Naypyidaw was turned into “mass casualty area.”

An X user particularly expressed fear of such buildings, wishing people didn’t live in high-rise abodes. More than 17 million people call the greater Bangkok area their home, per CBS News. Among them, a consequential chunk of population lives in high-rise apartments.

In yet another earthquake video coming from Thailand, affected citizens were seen having the worst time as they spotted the Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) swaying violently in front of their eyes. They also noted how the station floor was trembling vigorously, which inspired the passengers with fears about the place possibly collapsing. Amid the chaos, people can be seen holding on to each other for dear life as they patiently await for more peaceful times.

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Other visuals shared on X provided proof of a mosque and Mahamuni Pagoda in Mandalay, one of Myanmar’s most sacred Buddhist sites, being severely impacted by the powerful earthquake.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has since promised to extend “all possible assistance” and prayed for everyone’s safety. “Concerned by the situation in the wake of the Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Praying for the safety and wellbeing of everyone. India stands ready to offer all possible assistance. In this regard, asked our authorities to be on standby. Also asked the MEA to remain in touch with the Governments of Myanmar and Thailand,” he tweeted on X today.