Myanmar Earthquake Triggers Emergency Declaration in Bangkok and Stock Exchange Suspension
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand, prompting emergency declarations and a state of emergency in Bangkok. The quake led to significant structural damage, including the collapse of a high-rise building in Bangkok and extensive evacuations. Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict complicates the country’s disaster response capabilities.
On Friday, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand, prompting immediate emergency declarations in Bangkok. The quake’s epicenter was located in the Sagaing region, a site currently ravaged by civil conflict. Reports indicate that the tremors created significant engineering challenges, particularly as travel in affected areas is hindered by military checkpoints and ongoing conflict.
The earthquake was widely felt across Thailand, requiring the declaration of a state of emergency by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. In response to the quake, trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand was suspended for the afternoon. Authorities are working to assess the situation following the seismic event and its regional impact.
Significantly, a high-rise building under construction in Bangkok collapsed due to the earthquake, trapping 43 workers. This incident illustrated the devastating physical aftermath of the earthquake; witnesses reported significant destruction, and debris littered surrounding areas.
According to the US Geological Survey and the GFZ center for geosciences in Germany, the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). Videos circulating on social media captured dramatic scenes as rooftop pool waters in Bangkok sloshed due to the shaking, and alarms sounded throughout the city as residents were prompted to evacuate their buildings, especially in the densely populated central districts.
Myanmar, already grappling with a prolonged civil war following a military coup, is ill-prepared for disaster recovery, raising concerns about the country’s ability to respond effectively to such natural calamities. Furthermore, tremors were also felt beyond Thailand, reaching China’s southwestern Yunnan province, indicating the quake’s extensive reach.
In summary, a severe earthquake of 7.7 magnitude affected Myanmar and Thailand, resulting in emergency declarations and structural collapses in Bangkok. The humanitarian implications are concerning, particularly in conflict-stricken Myanmar, which may struggle to manage the disaster’s fallout. The swift reaction from authorities signifies the urgency of the situation as assessments proceed.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
