Update: Earthquake in Myanmar – thousands feared dead, including fatalities in Thailand

The disaster following Friday's powerful earthquake in Myanmar is now proving to be far more serious than first reported: Powerful earthquake in Myanmar felt in Thailand – skyscraper collapses in Bangkok
The 7,7 magnitude quake struck at noon local time and shook large parts of Southeast Asia. It was felt throughout Myanmar and far into Thailand – from the border regions to central Bangkok.

At least 13 people have been confirmed dead and around 200 injured, according to official figures from authorities in Myanmar and Thailand. At the same time, international observers – including the United States Geological Survey – are warning that the death toll could rise dramatically. Given the strength of the earthquake and the extensive material damage in central Myanmar, thousands of people are feared dead, especially in areas where buildings have collapsed and people are still missing under rubble.

Buildings collapsed in Myanmar

The quake had a depth of only 10 kilometers and the epicenter was near Myanmar's second largest city, Mandalay. Buildings in several cities are reported to have collapsed – including a mosque in Taungoo, a hotel in Aung Ban and bridges along the highway between Yangon and Mandalay. The historic Ava Bridge over the Irrawaddy River has collapsed into the water. Many villages are isolated after roads and bridges were damaged or destroyed, and rescue efforts are being hampered by power outages and broken communications.

Skyscraper collapse in Bangkok

The quake has also had dramatic consequences in Thailand. In Bangkok, high-rise buildings swayed and many offices were evacuated as the ground shook for up to two minutes. A skyscraper under construction collapsed in central Bangkok. Three construction workers have been confirmed dead and up to 90 people are still missing in the rubble. Rescue operations are underway, and military special forces with search dogs have been called in.

Bangkok residents have reported water gushing from rooftop pools, alarms going off in buildings and people running into the streets in panic. The quake was also felt in Chiang Mai and other parts of northern Thailand. Several high-rise buildings and shopping malls have been evacuated as a precaution. Authorities are now conducting safety inspections of buildings, bridges and other infrastructure across the country.

State of emergency and relief work

In Myanmar, the military junta has declared a state of emergency in six regions and appealed for international support. At the same time, aid organizations are mobilizing both inside and outside the country. In Thailand, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has declared a national state of emergency to speed up rescue efforts and coordinate efforts. Hospitals in Bangkok and border areas have been put on standby to receive injured people from Myanmar.

Advice for travelers and residents

In the wake of the disaster, authorities are now issuing advice to the public and foreign citizens in the region. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden urges all Swedes who are in Myanmar or Thailand to immediately contact their relatives and inform them of their situation. Swedes on the ground are also urged to stay updated via the media, follow the instructions of local authorities and – if possible – register on Swedish list.

Similar calls have been made by the embassies of several other countries. India, China, France, Great Britain, the USA and Finland Diplomatic missions have informed their citizens in the area to contact their families, as well as to stay in touch with their respective embassies or consulates.

Important to be careful

Residents and travelers in the affected areas are generally advised to be cautious and prepare for possible aftershocks. Thai and Burmese authorities are reminding people to stay away from damaged buildings until they have been inspected. People near dams, mountain slopes or sensitive areas are urged to seek safer places, especially if there is a risk of landslides or flooding after aftershocks.

The authorities in Thailand and Myanmar stresses that help is available: emergency services, military, medical personnel and international aid organizations are deployed in the hardest-hit areas. Embassies and consulates are offering consular assistance to citizens in need.

In conclusion, everyone in the affected area is urged to be critical of rumors and follow confirmed information from official channels. The situation is still developing rapidly, and both the death toll and injuries may be adjusted. At the same time, the broad international aid response gives hope that the survivors will receive the support they need in this difficult time.

Text: The editorial staff

Image license: Thailand News Official Press Material