A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar has triggered chaos across Southeast Asia, with its effects felt hundreds of miles away in Bangkok, where at least 43 people are reported trapped following the collapse of a high-rise construction site.
The epicentre of the earthquake was near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). A strong 6.4 aftershock followed just 12 minutes later.
Bangkok Buildings Evacuated as Tremors Strike
In Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, buildings shook violently as the tremors reached the city. A tower under construction collapsed, and rescue teams are now scrambling to free dozens of people believed to be trapped inside.
Footage circulating on Thai social media shows the dramatic moment a high-rise structure gave way, while another clip captures water cascading off a rooftop pool as the ground below shook.
Thai media reports suggest as many as 50 workers may have been on site at the time of the collapse. The Thai fire department has launched an urgent search-and-rescue operation, and injured workers have been seen being carried from the scene by fellow survivors.
Myanmar: Extensive Damage at the Epicentre
While the situation in Bangkok is unfolding, reports from Myanmar—already beset by civil conflict—paint an even graver picture.
Early visuals show collapsed bridges, damaged monasteries, pagodas, and significant destruction in and around Mandalay. Communication remains limited, making it difficult to assess the full scale of the damage.
Humanitarian organisations warn that getting aid into the affected regions in Myanmar will be extremely challenging due to ongoing instability and restricted access.
What We Know So Far
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A 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar near Mandalay early Friday
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Bangkok, Thailand, felt the impact despite being hundreds of miles away
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A skyscraper under construction collapsed, trapping at least 43 people
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Buildings evacuated across the city amid widespread shaking
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Myanmar reports widespread infrastructure damage, but details remain scarce
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The Thai government has launched a major emergency response
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A 6.4 aftershock followed the initial quake
