Strong 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Bangkok, Causing Evacuations
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Bangkok, Thailand, prompting evacuations from buildings. The quake occurred at a shallow depth, with its epicenter in Myanmar. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties, though residents experienced significant shaking.
On Friday, a significant earthquake registering 7.7 in magnitude struck Bangkok, Thailand, causing buildings to sway noticeably. The U.S. Geological Survey and Germany’s GFZ center for geosciences reported that this shallow quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (approximately 6.2 miles) with its epicenter located in Myanmar.
The earthquake affected over 17 million residents in the greater Bangkok area, particularly in high-rise buildings. At approximately 1:30 p.m., alarm systems prompted immediate evacuations as startled residents exited through staircases of their apartments and hotels, gathering in the streets while seeking refuge from the midday sun.
Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties following the earthquake. The tremor was sufficiently strong to displace water from swimming pools, located on higher floors of buildings. The epicenter of the quake was identified in central Myanmar, about 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of Monywa, yet there have been no immediate reports concerning the earthquake’s impact there amidst the ongoing civil unrest.
In summary, Bangkok experienced a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake, leading to widespread evacuations in high-rise buildings. Despite the tremor’s intensity, no immediate damage or casualties have been reported. The epicenter was identified in Myanmar, suggesting a need for continued monitoring of the region’s seismic activity.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
