Massive Earthquakes Rock Myanmar
A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, followed by a powerful 6.4-magnitude aftershock, sending shockwaves across Southeast Asia. The tremors toppled buildings, shut down metro services, and triggered widespread panic in Myanmar and Thailand, with strong shakes felt as far as Bangladesh, China’s Yunnan province, and India’s northeastern states.
Massive Earthquakes Rock Myanmar
Bangkok in Chaos: High-Rise Collapses, Metro Shut Down
In Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, a high-rise came crashing down in the Chatuchak district, killing at least three workers, with many still feared trapped under the rubble. The tremors, despite originating nearly 900 km away, were so intense that they forced people to flee their homes, with videos showing water sloshing out of rooftop pools and terrified shoppers rushing out of malls.
The Thai government swiftly declared an emergency, shut down metro and rail services, and even halted trading at the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Airports were put on high alert, and major roads witnessed gridlock as frightened residents scrambled for safety.
Massive Earthquakes Rock Myanmar
One eyewitness in Chiang Mai recalled, “I was fast asleep when my whole building started shaking. I ran outside in my pyjamas without even thinking.” Meanwhile, a Scottish tourist in Bangkok described “chaos” inside a shopping mall as escalators became jammed with panicked people rushing for the exits.
Myanmar Devastated: Iconic Ava Bridge Collapses, Mosques & Shrines Reduced to Rubble
Myanmar bore the brunt of the catastrophe. The 90-year-old Ava Bridge in Mandalay crumbled into the Irrawaddy River, a stunning loss for the historic city. A mosque collapse in the quake’s epicentre near Sagaing claimed at least three lives, while many more were injured or trapped.
Massive Earthquakes Rock Myanmar
Eyewitnesses in Mandalay described horrific scenes of destruction, with ancient religious shrines and entire buildings reduced to rubble. “I saw a five-storey building collapse right in front of my eyes. No one dares to go back inside,” a resident told Reuters. In the capital, Naypyidaw, major roads developed deep cracks, further crippling the already fragile infrastructure.
Global Reactions & India’s Offer of Help
The disaster sent shockwaves beyond Myanmar and Thailand, with aftershocks jolting India’s Meghalaya and northeastern states, Bangladesh, and China. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern and assured that India stands ready to provide assistance. “Praying for everyone’s safety. We have asked our authorities to remain on standby,” he tweeted.
Massive Earthquakes Rock Myanmar
Myanmar, already struggling with civil war and a fragile healthcare system, now faces an even greater challenge in recovering from this catastrophe.
As rescue operations continue and aftershocks loom, the region braces for what comes next in this unfolding tragedy.
