Myanmar-Thailand earthquake: Strong tremors bring down buildings, panic grips streets

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake rocked Thailand and neighbouring Myanmar midday on Friday, causing widespread panic and structural damage. A high-rise building under construction in Bangkok collapsed, sending a cloud of dust into the air as onlookers screamed and ran for safety. The quake’s impact was felt across the region, with tremors shaking buildings and prompting emergency evacuations.

A high-rise building under construction in Bangkok collapsed, sending a massive cloud of dust into the air as debris crashed to the ground. A crane positioned on top of the structure also fell during the collapse, adding to the chaos. Witnesses described scenes of panic, with people screaming and running for safety. Authorities have yet to confirm how many workers were present at the site when the incident occurred. Rescue teams are on the scene, searching for possible survivors. (AP photo)

The earthquake sent shockwaves through Bangkok, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate buildings. Witnesses described scenes of chaos in shopping malls, where people ran in panic, some even moving the wrong way down escalators. Alarms blared in high-rise apartments and offices as frightened workers and residents rushed to stairwells for safety. (Images from X)

Tourists and residents shared their terrifying experiences. Fraser Morton, a Scottish tourist, said, "The whole building started moving, people screamed, and panic spread instantly." Another witness, Zsuzsanna Vari-Kovacs, described how the earthquake lasted for nearly a minute, much longer than previous ones she had experienced. Many people fled to open spaces, fearing building collapses. (AP photo)

In Myanmar, the ruling junta declared a state of emergency in six regions following the earthquake. In a rare move, the military government requested international humanitarian aid to assist in rescue and relief efforts. The earthquake damaged critical infrastructure, including bridges, roads, and historic sites. Authorities are now focused on assessing the damage and providing aid to those affected. (AP photo)

Shortly after the initial quake, a 6.4 magnitude aftershock struck, further unsettling residents in Bangkok and beyond. Authorities warned people to stay outdoors in case of more tremors. The US Geological Survey confirmed the quake's shallow depth of 10 kilometers, making it particularly powerful and dangerous. Experts fear additional aftershocks could lead to further structural damage. (AP photo)

The greater Bangkok area, home to 17 million people, experienced prolonged tremors. Residents watched in horror as rooftop pools overflowed, sending water cascading down buildings. Glass and debris fell from high-rises, and emergency alarms sounded across the city. (AP photo)

In Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, the earthquake caused significant damage to cultural landmarks. Parts of the former royal palace crumbled, while religious shrines in the capital Naypyidaw also suffered damage. The Sagaing region saw a 90-year-old bridge collapse, and key highways linking Mandalay and Yangon were affected. Officials are working to restore critical infrastructure. (AP photo)