A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock. Myanmar’s military declared a state of emergency in multiple regions. The epicenter was located about 17.2 km from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, with 1.5 million residents. The quake caused widespread panic and significant damage.

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Thailand-Myanmar Earthquake: Key Highlights

  1. The earthquake’s impact extended across northern Thailand, with tremors felt as far south as Bangkok. In Bangkok, Thailand, people fled to the streets, with witnesses reporting hotel guests in bathrobes as water overflowed from an elevated pool at a luxury hotel. Footage circulating on social media captured the collapse of a building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district.
  2. In Bangkok, some metro and light rail services were temporarily suspended due to the impact of the earthquake. The tremors from the Myanmar quake were also felt in parts of Vietnam.
  3. At least three people were confirmed dead in Bangkok, including two fatalities linked to a high-rise building collapse. Bangkok’s authorities declared the city a disaster-stricken area and are assisting those at risk. Thailand’s Defense Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, reported that 90 people remain missing, and three fatalities have been confirmed at the site of a high-rise building collapse in Bangkok. The building was under construction when a powerful earthquake struck the capital. While Wechayachai provided no further details on the rescue efforts, first responders confirmed that seven individuals had been rescued from the debris so far, according to AP.
  4. Bangkok’s Governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, warned of potential aftershocks but assured the public that the situation was largely under control. Authorities had received 169 reports of building damage.
  5. Urban rail systems in Bangkok were temporarily closed but are expected to resume services on Saturday. Authorities are continuing to assess and monitor the damage.
  6. Myanmar’s military-run government declared a state of emergency in six regions, including Naypyitaw and Mandalay. However, ongoing civil conflict may hinder relief efforts.
  7. Major automakers Nissan and Honda temporarily halted plant operations in Thailand due to the earthquake, according to Nikkei.
  8. Despite the quake, flights in and out of Bangkok operated normally, as confirmed by Thailand’s civil aviation department. Myanmar National Airlines has cancelled some flights.
  9. A 7.3 magnitude tremor was also felt in Bangladesh, including Dhaka and Chattogram. No casualties have been reported so far, according to PTI.
  10.  Tremors from the earthquake were felt in China’s southwestern Yunnan province, where Beijing’s quake agency reported the magnitude at 7.9.