15 heartbreaking images show the destruction after earthquake in Thailand, Myanmar
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Southeast Asia around lunchtime Friday, killing at least three people in Thailand and bringing down multiple buildings in Myanmar, prompting the military-run government to declare a state of emergency in multiple regions.
The powerful earthquake, which had its epicenter in central Myanmar about 13 miles from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, struck around 12:50 p.m. local time, the New York Times reported. It was followed by several tremors, including a 6.4 magnitude aftershock which occurred just 11 minutes later.
In Bangkok, Thailand, almost 900 miles from the earthquake's epicenter, a high rise building collapsed, killing at least three people and touching off a search for 81 workers believed to be trapped in the rubble, Defense Minister Phumtham told reporters. Video showed the skyscraper crash to the ground as crowds nearby ran from billowing plumes of smoke.
The Thailand National Institute for Emergency Medicine said 320 workers were at the site when the building collapsed.
The earthquake brought down buildings across Myanmar, including a section of a mosque in the town of Tuangoo, killing at least three people, Reuters reported. Local media reported at least two people died and about 20 were injured in the collapse of a hotel in the town of Aung Ban. Two bridges, including a railway bridge and a road bridge, were also destroyed.
Myanmar's military-run government declared a state of emergency in six regions.
"The state will make inquiries on the situation quickly and conduct rescue operations along with providing humanitarian aid," the junta said on the Telegram messaging app.
See photos of earthquake aftermath in Myanmar, Thailand
Editor's note: Graphic visuals. Viewer discretion advised.
Contributing: Christopher Cann, Paste BN / Reuters
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for Paste BN. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.