A devastating earthquake has rocked Southeast Asia, toppling high-rise buildings under construction in Bangkok and bringing down structures in Myanmar.
According to Thailand’s National Institute for Medical Emergency, at least one person has been killed, and dozens of workers have been rescued from the rubble of a collapsed skyscraper.
Eyewitnesses in Bangkok described scenes of panic as people rushed into the streets following the violent tremors.
USGS Confirms 7.7-Magnitude Quake
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.7 on the Richter scale, with a depth of 10 kilometers. Powerful aftershocks have also been recorded.
The epicenter was located 17.2 kilometers from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, home to 1.5 million people.
Authorities in Myanmar have yet to release official reports on casualties or damage.
“We have begun search operations around Yangon to assess any potential victims and destruction. So far, we have no confirmed reports,” a Myanmar Fire Department official told Reuters.
Tremors Felt in China’s Yunnan Province
China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency reported that strong tremors were felt in Yunnan province, which borders Myanmar. However, Chinese authorities have not reported any casualties.
Social media footage from Mandalay shows collapsed buildings, but these images have not yet been independently verified.
Rescue operations are ongoing, and the extent of the devastation is still being assessed.
