Bangkok, Thailand – A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake, its epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar, has sent shockwaves through Southeast Asia, triggering a devastating high-rise building collapse in the Thai capital and claiming lives across the region. The catastrophic event has plunged Bangkok into a state of emergency, highlighting the unpredictable reach of seismic activity and the vulnerability of even distant urban centers. M 7.7 - 2025 Mandalay, Burma Earthquake .
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Rescue personnel pass a collapsed building in Bangkok, following an earthquake. Two people were killed, with others trapped beneath rubble in the Thai capital. Reuters |
The collapse of a multi-story building under construction near Bangkok's bustling Chatuchak market has dominated headlines. Dramatic footage circulating on social media depicts the structure, complete with a towering crane, crumbling into a cloud of dust as onlookers scream and flee. The scene is a stark reminder of the sudden and violent nature of the earthquake, which struck hundreds of miles from its epicenter.
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Thai authorities have confirmed at least two fatalities in the building collapse, with dozens more feared trapped beneath the unstable rubble. Rescue workers, battling precarious conditions, have managed to extricate seven survivors, but the ongoing instability of the debris field is significantly hampering search and rescue efforts. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has declared Bangkok a disaster area, mobilizing emergency response teams and coordinating relief efforts across the city.
The earthquake's impact extends far beyond Bangkok. In Myanmar, already grappling with a protracted and brutal civil war, the quake struck with devastating consequences. A mosque in Taungoo, approximately 400 kilometers south of Mandalay, collapsed during Friday prayers, the final prayer of the holy month of Ramadan, killing three worshippers. "We were saying prayers when the shaking started... three died on the spot," a distraught witness recounted to Reuters. The destruction of the Shwe Phone Shein Mosque further underscores the widespread devastation caused by the earthquake.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) registered the initial quake at a magnitude of 7.7, followed by a powerful 6.4 magnitude aftershock. The tremors were felt across a vast area, reaching as far as India and China.
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The intensity of the quake and the subsequent aftershocks have prompted Myanmar's junta to declare a state of emergency, adding another layer of complexity to the already precarious situation in the war-torn nation. The timing of the earthquake, interrupting religious services during a significant period of the Muslim calendar, has added to the emotional toll of the disaster.
The earthquake's impact on Bangkok, despite its distance from the epicenter, serves as a sobering reminder of the potential for widespread damage from even distant seismic events. The collapse of the high-rise building raises critical questions about building codes and construction safety standards in rapidly developing urban areas. The ongoing rescue operation, hampered by the unstable debris, highlights the urgent need for specialized equipment and expertise to safely locate and extract those still trapped.
As rescue efforts continue in Bangkok and the full extent of the damage in Myanmar is assessed, the region faces a monumental challenge in the aftermath of this devastating earthquake. The combined impact of the natural disaster and the ongoing conflict in Myanmar underscores the urgent need for international aid and support to help those affected rebuild their lives and recover from this catastrophic event. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the final death toll and the long-term recovery efforts required across the affected regions.
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Bangkok Reels After Earthquake Triggers Deadly High-Rise Collapse
A powerful earthquake that struck Thailand and Myanmar on Friday, March 28, 2025, has left a trail of devastation in its wake. In Bangkok, the tremors triggered the collapse of a high-rise building under construction, resulting in at least three deaths and 90 missing.
The building, located near Bangkok's popular Chatuchak market, was topped with a crane when it toppled into a cloud of dust, sending onlookers screaming and running for safety. Dramatic footage of the collapse quickly spread across social media, capturing the terrifying moment as the structure crumbled.
Rescue workers are currently battling unstable rubble, making it difficult to reach those potentially trapped beneath. Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed the tragic loss of life, stating that three people were killed at the site, including a construction worker whose truck was struck by falling debris.
The earthquake, with an epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar, measured 7.7 on the Richter scale and was followed by a strong 6.4 magnitude aftershock. The US Geological Survey and Germany's GFZ center for geosciences reported the quake as a shallow 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).
The tremors sent shockwaves throughout Bangkok, causing widespread panic and disruption. Buildings swayed, sirens blared, and traffic came to a standstill. The city's elevated rapid transit system and subway were shut down, and city hall declared Bangkok a disaster area to facilitate emergency response.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and fear. April Kanichawanakul, who works in an office building in the city center, said she initially felt dizzy before realizing it was an earthquake. "I just thought I was dizzy," she said. "All of a sudden the whole building began to move. Immediately, there was screaming and a lot of panic," added Fraser Morton, a tourist from Scotland, who was in a shopping mall when the earthquake struck.
Thousands of people poured into Benjasiri Park from nearby buildings, seeking safety and solace. The earthquake, the first experienced by many in Bangkok, has left a lasting impact on the city, highlighting the vulnerability of its densely populated urban landscape.
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Southeast Asia Reels as Powerful Earthquake Strikes Myanmar, Leaving Trail of Destruction
A devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the heart of war-torn Myanmar on Friday, sending tremors across a vast swathe of Southeast Asia and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The quake, with its epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, has triggered building collapses, widespread panic, and sparked a frantic race against time to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble.
The earthquake's impact stretched far beyond Myanmar, sending terrifying tremors through rural villages caught in the middle of the country's civil war, all the way to the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, Thailand. The shaking was even felt across the border in China's southwestern Yunnan province.
The disaster has exposed the stark differences in resources and preparedness across the region. Myanmar, one of Asia's poorest nations, has a long and troubled history of struggling to respond to major natural disasters, particularly with the country currently under military rule. The junta has declared an "emergency situation" across much of central Myanmar, including Mandalay and the capital Naypyidaw, but the ongoing civil war hinders access to many areas and raises concerns about the effectiveness of relief efforts.
In contrast, neighboring Thailand, a far more prosperous nation and a major tourist destination, boasts well-resourced and experienced rescue teams. However, the earthquake has still caused significant damage in the Thai capital, Bangkok. The tremors triggered the collapse of an under-construction high-rise building, killing at least one person and injuring 50 others. Two additional deaths have been reported in the city.
The earthquake's impact has been felt across the region, with harrowing scenes of panic and destruction captured on social media. Videos show panicked residents across Myanmar and Thailand running from swaying buildings as dust fills the air and traffic comes to a sudden halt on busy city streets. The earthquake has also damaged infrastructure, including a 90-year-old bridge in Myanmar's Sagaing region and sections of the highway connecting Mandalay and Yangon.
The earthquake has also caused damage and injuries in China's Yunnan province, which borders Myanmar. Chinese media reports indicate damage to houses and injuries in the city of Ruili, with videos showing building debris littering streets and people being transported to ambulances.
The full extent of the damage and casualties remains unknown, but the earthquake has undoubtedly dealt a devastating blow to a region already facing numerous challenges. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but the scale of the disaster and the difficult conditions in Myanmar raise concerns about a potential humanitarian crisis. The international community is now mobilizing to offer support and assistance, with India, France, and the European Union expressing their willingness to provide aid.
This earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of natural disasters. The world is watching as Southeast Asia faces this latest challenge, hoping for a swift and effective response to minimize the loss of life and help those affected rebuild their lives.
A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, at 12:50 p.m. local time, leaving a trail of destruction and raising fears of widespread casualties. The quake, centered near Mandalay, the former royal capital, sent tremors across the region, shaking buildings in Bangkok, Thailand, and even reaching China's Yunnan province.
The disaster has struck a nation already grappling with a brutal civil war, sparked by a military coup in 2021. The conflict has ravaged Myanmar's infrastructure, including its healthcare system, leaving it ill-equipped to respond to a major natural disaster.
"The quake was very powerful, we could not run out of the building immediately," Tun Kyaw, a Mandalay resident, told CNN, describing the terrifying experience. "So we hid under desks for like three minutes of the quake. It was like the whole building was going to collapse. I was not sure I would get out alive."
The earthquake has caused significant damage in Mandalay, a city of 1.5 million people known for its historic temples and palaces. Reports indicate the collapse of a high-rise building, leaving dozens trapped under the rubble. Rescue workers are racing against time to reach those believed to be trapped, with Bangkok's National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEM) coordinating the rescue efforts.
The epicenter of the quake was located in Myanmar's Sagaing region, a region already ravaged by the civil war. The junta, pro-military militia, and rebel groups are locked in a fierce struggle for control, making access and communication extremely difficult. The region is largely rural, with dwellings primarily constructed of wood and thatch, making them particularly vulnerable to the earthquake's impact.
Adding to the challenges, the ongoing conflict has created a patchwork of controlled territories, making it extremely difficult to compile reliable information about the extent of the damage and casualties. Communications in the area are typically patchy due to intermittent fighting.
The earthquake has also caused damage and casualties in other parts of Myanmar. In the town of Taungoo, 70 miles south of the capital Naypyidaw, three people were killed after a mosque partially collapsed.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is gathering information about the impact of the earthquake, including infrastructure damage and immediate humanitarian needs. "We are gathering information about the people impacted, infrastructure damage, and immediate humanitarian needs to guide a response and will share more updates as information becomes available," said Christina Powell from OCHA.
The earthquake has triggered several aftershocks, including one of 6.4 magnitude, according to the United States Geological Survey. The region is now bracing for the potential of further tremors and the long-term consequences of this devastating earthquake.
The disaster highlights the urgent need for humanitarian aid and support for Myanmar, a nation already facing immense challenges. The international community is now mobilizing to provide assistance, with the hope of mitigating the suffering and helping Myanmar rebuild in the wake of this devastating event.
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Massive Myanmar Quake Kills Over 1,000 as Help Arrives
A huge earthquake hit Myanmar, a country in Southeast Asia, and it’s caused a terrible tragedy. Over 1,000 people have died, and the numbers are climbing fast. The military leaders there said on Saturday, March 29, 2025, that the death toll reached 1,002—way more than the 144 they first reported on Friday. This disaster has wrecked roads, bridges, and buildings, making life even harder in a place already struggling with poverty and a messy civil war.
The quake was super strong—scientists measured it at 7.7 on their scale—and it didn’t just hurt Myanmar. In nearby Thailand, it knocked down a skyscraper being built in the big city of Bangkok. Nine people died there, and 30 are stuck under the rubble, with 49 still missing.
Experts from the United States Geological Service, who study earthquakes, say it could get much worse. They’re predicting over 10,000 people might die in Myanmar alone. They also think the damage could cost more than the country makes in a whole year—imagine losing everything your town earns, all at once! Myanmar’s leaders, who usually don’t ask for help, even made a rare plea to other countries on Friday to send aid.
Good news is, help is finally arriving. Rescue teams from places like China flew into Myanmar’s big city, Yangon, on Saturday. They’re heading to harder-hit spots like Mandalay and Naypyitaw, where a hospital got badly damaged. Foreign rescue workers are also landing to search for anyone still alive under the mess.
The quake has made a bad situation worse in Myanmar, where fighting between the military and rebels has already left many people suffering. With critical stuff like hospitals and roads smashed, finding survivors and getting them help is a race against time. For now, the world is stepping up to lend a hand to this struggling nation.
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International Aid Rushes to Myanmar as Devastating Earthquake Leaves Thousands in Despair
"Don’t Think There’s Any Hope": Survivors Grapple with Destruction as Death Toll Rises
YANGON, MYANMAR — A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, leaving a trail of devastation across the country and deepening the humanitarian crisis in a nation already reeling from years of civil war. The quake, which hit around lunchtime, sent buildings crumbling in major cities, buried entire villages under landslides, and left survivors desperately searching for loved ones amid the wreckage.
As rescue efforts continue, the death toll has climbed into the hundreds, with thousands more injured and countless missing. The disaster has prompted an international response, with Russia, India, Malaysia, and Singapore sending planeloads of relief supplies and emergency personnel. Yet for many survivors, the help may be too late.
A Nation Already in Crisis
Myanmar has been engulfed in chaos since the military seized power in a February 2021 coup, overthrowing the elected civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The junta’s brutal crackdown on dissent has sparked a bloody civil war, with resistance fighters clashing with the military across large parts of the country.
The earthquake has only worsened the suffering, hitting regions already struggling with displacement, food shortages, and a collapsing healthcare system. The tremors were felt from the central plains around Mandalay to the rugged hills of Shan State, where ethnic armed groups control significant territory outside the junta’s authority.
Desperate Rescue Efforts
In Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, residents and rescue workers dug through rubble with their bare hands, lacking heavy machinery to clear the debris. Collapsed buildings trapped countless victims, and with emergency services stretched thin, many were left to fend for themselves.
Htet Min Oo, 25, was one of the lucky ones. After being pulled from beneath a collapsed wall by neighbors, he immediately turned back to search for his grandmother and two uncles, who were still buried under the wreckage of their home.
"I tried to move the rubble myself, but it was too much," he told Reuters, his voice breaking. "I don’t know if they are still alive under there. After so long, I don’t think there’s any hope."
Similar scenes played out across the country, with entire families wiped out in seconds. In rural areas, landslides buried villages, cutting off access to rescue teams. Communications were disrupted in multiple regions, making it difficult to assess the full scale of the disaster.
International Aid Arrives, but Challenges Remain
Several nations have pledged support, though delivering aid remains a challenge in a country where the military government restricts foreign access and many regions are controlled by armed resistance groups.
India, which shares a border with Myanmar, was among the first to respond. "We will continue to monitor the developments, and more aid will follow," said Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
Russia, which has maintained ties with Myanmar’s junta, dispatched emergency supplies, while Malaysia and Singapore sent search-and-rescue teams. South Korea pledged an initial $2 million in humanitarian assistance through international organizations.
The United States, which has imposed sanctions on Myanmar’s military leaders, including junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, also offered assistance. However, coordination with the ruling regime remains fraught with difficulties, as many Western nations refuse to engage directly with the junta.
A Bleak Future for Survivors
For those who survived, the immediate concern is finding shelter, clean water, and medical care. Hospitals, already overwhelmed by conflict-related injuries, are now inundated with earthquake victims. Many are being treated in makeshift clinics with limited supplies.
In Shan State, where ethnic militias control large areas, local volunteer groups have taken the lead in rescue operations. "The military doesn’t come here, so we have to help ourselves," said one volunteer, who asked not to be named for security reasons.
Meanwhile, fears grow that the disaster could exacerbate Myanmar’s political turmoil. With the military struggling to respond effectively, anger against the regime is likely to intensify.
"No Hope Left"
As night fell on the first day of the disaster, survivors huddled in the open, afraid of aftershocks. Many, like Htet Min Oo, had lost everything.
"I don’t know where to go now," he said, staring blankly at the ruins of his home. "First the war took our future, and now the earthquake has taken our past."
With the death toll expected to rise and recovery efforts hampered by Myanmar’s fractured political landscape, the road ahead looks grim. For now, the world’s attention has turned to Myanmar—but whether that will translate into real relief for its people remains uncertain.
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Race Against Time: Bangkok Grapples with Earthquake Aftermath, Hundreds Still Missing in Collapsed Tower
Bangkok, Thailand – The frantic search for survivors continues in the heart of Bangkok, where a 33-story building under construction collapsed on Friday following a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake centered in neighboring Myanmar. The disaster, unfolding hundreds of kilometers from the epicenter, has underscored the devastating reach of seismic activity and the urgent need for swift and coordinated rescue efforts. As of Saturday evening, the confirmed death toll remains at two, but the number of people still trapped beneath the mountains of rubble continues to fuel a desperate race against time.
The initial quake, which struck near Myanmar's second-largest city, Mandalay, sent shockwaves across the region, triggering panic and widespread damage. While the epicenter was hundreds of kilometers away, Bangkok felt the tremors with significant force, resulting in the catastrophic collapse of the high-rise building near the popular Chatuchak market. The sudden collapse, captured in harrowing videos circulating online, shows the structure crumbling into a massive cloud of dust, leaving behind a scene of chaos and devastation.
Authorities have confirmed that at least 30 construction workers were inside the building at the time of the collapse, with initial reports suggesting that at least 15 showed signs of life amidst the debris. This grim reality has spurred a massive, around-the-clock rescue operation, mobilizing a diverse array of resources and personnel. Excavators claw at the concrete jungle of fallen steel and shattered glass, their powerful arms carefully maneuvering through the unstable wreckage. Drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras hover overhead, searching for any indication of life trapped beneath the rubble. Highly trained search-and-rescue dogs, their sensitive noses sniffing for the faintest trace of human scent, are working tirelessly alongside human rescuers.
"We will do everything, we will not give up on saving lives, we will use all resources," Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt declared at the scene, his voice filled with a mixture of determination and palpable anxiety. The governor's commitment reflects the unwavering resolve of the rescue teams, who are working against the clock to locate and extract any survivors. The sheer scale of the operation, however, is daunting. The unstable nature of the rubble presents significant challenges, requiring meticulous care to avoid further collapses and potential harm to rescuers.
The scene is a poignant blend of hope and despair. Families of the missing workers gather at the site, their faces etched with worry and uncertainty. Waanpetch Panta, whose 18-year-old daughter is among those trapped, sat vigilantly alongside her husband, watching the rescue operations unfold with a mixture of anxious hope and agonizing uncertainty. "I prayed that my daughter was among those taken to the hospital already," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "All I can do is sit and wait like this." Her words echo the sentiments of countless others who are clinging to the hope that their loved ones will emerge alive from the wreckage.
The earthquake's impact extends far beyond the immediate vicinity of the collapsed building. Across Bangkok, the city ground to a halt on Friday as the tremors shook the city. Hundreds of residents spent a terrifying night in parks and open spaces, fearing further aftershocks. While Governor Sittipunt reported an improvement in the situation on Saturday, the city remains on edge, bracing for potential aftershocks and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the fate of the missing workers.
Susan Hough, a scientist with the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, noted the complex factors that influence the death toll following a seismic event. She highlighted the significance of the timing of the quake, explaining that daytime quakes often result in lower casualties because people are awake and more readily able to react. The contrast between the situation in Myanmar, where the earthquake struck during daylight hours, and the nighttime collapse in Bangkok, underscores the unpredictable nature of earthquakes and the varied consequences they can have depending on local circumstances.
The rescue operation in Bangkok is a testament to the resilience and determination of the city's emergency responders and the unwavering hope of the families waiting anxiously for news. As the hours tick by, the focus remains on the tireless efforts to locate and rescue those still trapped beneath the rubble. The world watches with bated breath, hoping against hope that the number of survivors will continue to rise as the rescue mission presses on. The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable power of nature and the importance of preparedness in the face of such devastating events.
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Major Earthquake Strikes Myanmar, Aftershocks Raise Concerns
A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar early Friday, with experts warning it could be the strongest tremor to hit the country's mainland in nearly 75 years. The quake, followed by a significant 6.7-magnitude aftershock, has raised fears of further seismic activity in the region.
Historic Seismic Event
Bill McGuire, emeritus professor of geophysical and climate hazards at University College London (UCL), described the quake as "probably the biggest earthquake on the Myanmar mainland in three-quarters of a century." He cautioned that additional aftershocks could follow, stating, "more can be expected."
make an article. A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar early Friday, with experts warning it could be the strongest tremor to hit the country's mainland in nearly 75 years. The quake, followed by a significant 6.7-magnitude aftershock, has raised fears of further seismic activity in the region.
Historic Seismic Event
Bill McGuire, emeritus professor of geophysical and climate hazards at University College London (UCL), described the quake as "probably the biggest earthquake on the Myanmar mainland in three-quarters of a century." He cautioned that additional aftershocks could follow, stating, "more can be expected."
A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar early Friday, sending shockwaves through the region and prompting fears of further seismic activity. Experts are warning that this could be the strongest tremor to hit the country's mainland in nearly 75 years. The initial quake was swiftly followed by a significant 6.7-magnitude aftershock, further intensifying concerns.
Bill McGuire, emeritus professor of geophysical and climate hazards at University College London (UCL), described the event as a historically significant seismic event. He stated that the quake is "probably the biggest earthquake on the Myanmar mainland in three-quarters of a century," emphasizing its magnitude and potential for long-term consequences. Professor McGuire's warning of further aftershocks underscores the ongoing risk faced by the region. He cautioned that "more can be expected," urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential future tremors.
The full extent of the damage caused by the earthquake remains unclear, with communication lines disrupted in many affected areas. Rescue efforts are underway, but the scale of the disaster and the potential for further seismic activity pose significant challenges. The situation is evolving rapidly, and updates are expected as assessments continue.
Fault Line Movement
The earthquake is believed to have been caused by movement along the Sagaing Fault, a major tectonic boundary where the Indian plate collides with the Sunda plate, which underlies much of Southeast Asia. Rebecca Bell, a tectonics expert at Imperial College London (ICL), explained that the quake likely involved a side-to-side "strike-slip" motion—similar to California’s infamous San Andreas Fault.
"The Sagaing Fault is very long—1,200 kilometers (745 miles)—and very straight," Bell said. "The straight nature means earthquakes can rupture over large areas, and the larger the area of the fault that slips, the larger the earthquake."
High Risk of Destruction
Bell warned that shallow earthquakes like this one can be "particularly destructive" because seismic energy reaches the surface with little dissipation. "This causes a lot of shaking at the surface," she said, increasing risks to buildings and infrastructure in populated areas.
Regional Impact
The quake was felt across Myanmar and neighboring countries, including Thailand and Bangladesh. Initial reports indicate damage to buildings and roads, though the full extent of destruction is still being assessed. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious as aftershocks continue.
Growing Seismic Threats
Myanmar sits in a seismically active zone, and experts have long warned of the potential for major earthquakes along the Sagaing Fault. Today’s event underscores the need for improved disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions.
As rescue teams mobilize, the international community is monitoring the situation closely, with geologists warning that further significant tremors cannot be ruled out.
Myanmar's Building Boom Faces First Major Test as Powerful Earthquake Strikes
Yangon, Myanmar – A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck near Myanmar’s major cities today, putting the country’s rapidly growing urban infrastructure to its first major seismic test. The quake, originating along the Sagaing Fault, has raised concerns about the safety of high-rise buildings constructed during Myanmar’s recent construction boom.
A History of Seismic Threats
Myanmar is no stranger to earthquakes, with more than 14 quakes of magnitude 6 or higher recorded in the past century. One of the most devastating, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake near Mandalay in 1956, caused significant damage. However, experts warn that the country’s rapid urbanization and lax building regulations may now pose an even greater risk.
Brian Baptie, a seismologist with the British Geological Survey, noted that at least 2.8 million people in Myanmar live in high-risk areas, many in buildings made of unreinforced brick masonry or timber—structures highly vulnerable to seismic activity.
The High-Rise Gamble
"What has changed in recent decades is the boom in high-rise buildings constructed from reinforced concrete," said Ian Watkinson, an earth sciences expert at Royal Holloway University of London.
Historically, Myanmar’s cities were dominated by low-rise timber-framed buildings and brick religious monuments, which, while still at risk, were less likely to collapse catastrophically. Today’s earthquake marks the first major challenge for modern Myanmar’s urban infrastructure, particularly in densely populated areas near the fault line.
Weak Enforcement, High Risk
Years of conflict and weak governance have led to minimal enforcement of building codes and construction standards. Ilan Kelman, a disaster reduction expert at University College London (UCL), emphasized that governments bear responsibility for ensuring safe construction practices.
"The usual mantra is that 'earthquakes don't kill people; collapsing infrastructure does'," Kelman said. "This disaster exposes what governments of Burma/Myanmar failed to do long before the earthquake, which would have saved lives during the shaking."
As rescue efforts continue, the earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by rapid, unregulated construction in seismically active regions. Experts urge immediate action to strengthen building regulations and retrofit vulnerable structures before the next major quake strikes.
For now, Myanmar’s cities remain on edge, waiting to see how much of their modern skyline will withstand the aftershocks—and whether lessons from this disaster will lead to safer urban growth in the future.
Strong Tremors Shake Thailand: Skyscraper Collapses Amid Widespread Damage
A powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday sent strong tremors rippling across neighboring Thailand, causing widespread panic and structural damage. The most dramatic incident occurred in Bangkok, where a 30-story skyscraper under construction collapsed, trapping workers beneath a mountain of debris.
Seismologists and engineers have pointed to Bangkok’s geological characteristics and construction practices as factors that contributed to the severe impact, despite the city being located nearly 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from the epicenter.
Soft Soil and Construction Practices Worsen Damage
Christian Malaga-Chuquitaype, an expert from Imperial College London’s (ICL) civil and environmental engineering department, highlighted how Bangkok's soft soil played a key role in amplifying the quake’s tremors.
"Even though Bangkok is far from active faults, its soft soil amplifies the shaking," he said. "This affects especially tall buildings during distant earthquakes."
Another major concern is the construction techniques widely used in Bangkok. Malaga-Chuquitaype noted that the collapsed skyscraper appeared to have been built using a "flat slab" design, where floors are supported solely by columns without additional strengthening beams.
"It performs poorly during earthquakes, often failing in a brittle and sudden (almost explosive) manner," he explained.
Roberto Gentile, a catastrophe risk modeling expert from University College London (UCL), echoed these concerns. He warned that the "dramatic collapse" of the Bangkok skyscraper suggested that "other tall buildings in the city may require a thorough assessment."
Authorities Launch Urgent Safety Inspections
In response to the disaster, Bangkok city authorities announced that more than 100 engineers would be deployed to inspect buildings for structural integrity. Officials have already received over 2,000 reports of damage, ranging from cracked walls to severely weakened structures.
Emergency teams continue to search for survivors in the rubble of the collapsed skyscraper, with fears that more people may be trapped. The disaster has sparked fresh concerns over Thailand’s preparedness for major seismic events and the safety of its high-rise buildings.
As rescue efforts continue, structural engineers and policymakers are calling for stricter building regulations and enhanced seismic resilience in Bangkok’s rapidly growing skyline. The quake has served as a wake-up call for the city, highlighting vulnerabilities that may require urgent attention to prevent further tragedies in the future.