Powerful earthquake in Myanmar felt in Thailand – skyscraper collapses in Bangkok

A strong earthquake struck central Myanmar in the middle of the day on Friday, March 28. The quake was recorded just before 13:30 p.m. local time and measured at magnitude 7,7. The epicenter was in the Sagaing region, about 16 km northwest of Sagaing city and near Myanmar's second largest city, Mandalay. The earthquake was shallow, with an estimated depth of about 10 km, which contributed to its being felt over a large area. About twelve minutes after the main quake, a strong aftershock with a magnitude of about 6,4 occurred.

The quake was felt in Thailand

The earthquake's powerful tremors spread far and wide – across the border to Thailand. The tremor was clearly felt in several parts of the country, even though the epicenter was over 1000 kilometers away. In Bangkok, high-rise buildings began to sway and alarms went off at around 13:30 p.m. local time. Thousands of people quickly evacuated offices and shops and gathered in panic on the streets. Water overflowed from rooftop pools in hotels and splashed down like rain due to the tremors. Several eyewitnesses have described the situation as very frightening.

The tremor was also felt in northern Thailand, closer to the border with Myanmar. A resident of Chiang Mai said she woke up to the tremors and rushed out of her house wearing her pajamas. The tremor was felt in large parts of Thailand, from the north to the capital in the south, although the tremors were strongest closer to Myanmar.

Damage and consequences

In Bangkok, a skyscraper under construction collapsed as a result of the earthquake. The building collapsed at Chatuchakarea, and at least 43 construction workers are feared trapped in the rubble. Police, rescue services and medical personnel are still working at the scene.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra held an emergency meeting and announced afterwards that a state of emergency had been declared in parts of Bangkok. Authorities urged residents of high-rise buildings to be vigilant for cracks and other signs of structural damage.

In Myanmar, the situation is initially more unclear, partly due to the country's political instability and ongoing civil conflicts. Local media are reporting collapsed buildings and cracked roads in Mandalay and Naypyidaw, among others. Rescue efforts are underway, but no official figure for dead or injured has yet been confirmed.

Geological explanation

Myanmar is located in a geologically active zone where several continental plates collide. The Sagaing Fault runs through Myanmar – a large fault zone that often causes earthquakes. Historically, Myanmar has experienced several earthquakes with magnitudes of around 7 or higher. Although Thailand is slightly further from the plate boundaries, the country is affected by earthquakes in neighboring regions.

Tip: How to keep track

For those living or visiting Thailand, there are several ways to stay informed about seismic activity. Thai Meteorological Department has a mobile app that provides real-time earthquake data. International services such as USGS and EMSC (LastQuake) also offer rapid updates.

Text: The editorial staff

Image license: TheDigitalWay, Pixabay, original image