A significant earthquake rocked the central business district of Bangkok

*Reporting by Rana Taha,
A significant earthquake rocked the central business district of Bangkok, leading to the collapse of a 30-story skyscraper and claiming lives in the region.

The epicenter of the quake was located in Myanmar, where the intense tremors were also keenly felt. Rescue teams are currently working at the site of the collapsed building in Bangkok following the powerful earthquake that struck central Myanmar on Friday.

The incident occurred at around 12:50 p.m. local time (0620 GMT/UTC), leading to the collapse of a high-rise under construction, trapping numerous workers. The German GFZ geosciences center reported that the earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.7, had a shallow epicenter approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) deep. A subsequent aftershock with a magnitude of 6.4 was felt shortly afterward. Although fatalities have been reported in both Thailand and Myanmar, the exact death toll remains unknown. The Thai Prime Minister has reportedly declared a state of emergency in Bangkok, while Myanmar has also announced an emergency in the capital and the second-largest city. Details from the Ground: Witnesses recalled scenes of panic as people fled buildings in Bangkok amid the earthquake's tremors. The Thai deputy Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, stated that approximately 81 individuals were trapped in the collapsed construction site. Authorities have confirmed at least three deaths in Bangkok. The 30-story building was intended to serve as a government office in the northern area of the city. Worapat Sukthai, the deputy police chief, mentioned that many people were calling for assistance at the disaster site, with estimates of hundreds injured as the situation is still being assessed. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt noted that the tremors caused damage to several high-rises in the city, prompting inspections to evaluate the full extent of the damage.

Emergency services received at least 169 reports regarding structural damage, leading City Hall to declare Bangkok a disaster zone for emergency response efforts. Situation in Myanmar: The earthquake's epicenter was approximately 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing, where local reports indicated that roads buckled, and parts of ceilings fell from buildings. An officer from the Myanmar Fire Services Department confirmed that search and rescue efforts are underway in Yangon, but information remains limited. Unverified reports from social media indicate damage in Mandalay, with witnesses describing buildings collapsing and widespread panic. The Red Cross reported significant infrastructure damage, including the collapse of a 90-year-old bridge and sections of a highway connecting Mandalay to Yangon. Concerns were also raised about the integrity of large dams in the region. Reactions in Bangkok: DW reporter Tommy Walker recounted his experience during the quake, describing how he felt the building sway and immediately evacuated down several flights of stairs. Outside, he witnessed a mass exodus of people, many panicked and in tears. Public transportation, including metro and light rail services, was temporarily suspended in the wake of the earthquake.

In response to the crisis, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra interrupted an official visit to convene an urgent meeting. Meanwhile, the stock exchange in Thailand declared a halt in trading due to the quake. Further Impact and Response: The tremors were felt beyond Thailand, reaching China's Yunnan province, where officials measured a magnitude of 7.9.
China's Foreign Ministry is closely monitoring the situation, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the country is prepared to assist Myanmar and Thailand. European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU's Copernicus satellites are aiding first responders, while French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot also offered support, emphasizing readiness to assist once needs are identified amidst safety concerns for French personnel in the region.