Earthquake Strikes Myanmar and Thailand, Causing Widespread Damage and Fatalities
Devastating Quake Triggers Rare Request for International Aid
A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand on Friday, toppling buildings and bridges, and trapping over 80 workers in an under-construction skyscraper in Bangkok. The shallow 7.7-magnitude tremor hit northwest of the city of Sagaing in central Myanmar, and was followed minutes later by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock.
Myanmar Bears the Brunt of the Quake
Myanmar looked to have borne the brunt of the quake, with hundreds of casualties flooding a hospital in the capital Naypyidaw. The emergency department’s entrance had collapsed onto a car, with medics treating patients outside. "This is a mass casualty area," a hospital official ushered journalists away, saying. "I haven’t seen (something) like this before. We are trying to handle the situation. I’m so exhausted now," a doctor told AFP.
Thailand Also Hit Hard
Across the border in Thailand, three people were confirmed dead in the collapse of a skyscraper, with 81 more missing and believed trapped in the twisted metal and rubble of the under-construction building. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai told reporters that at least three workers had been killed, with 81 more trapped, after the collapse of a building under construction near the sprawling Chatuchak market.
International Aid Requested
The quake’s devastation prompted a rare request for international aid from Myanmar’s isolated military junta, which has lost swathes of territory to armed groups. A state of emergency was declared across the six worst-affected regions. "We want the international community to give humanitarian aid as soon as possible," junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun told AFP at the hospital.
Regional Reactions
The quake was felt across the region, with China, Cambodia, Bangladesh, and India all reporting tremors. India, France, and the European Union all offered to provide assistance.
Conclusion
The earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand on Friday has caused widespread damage and fatalities, with over 20 people confirmed dead and hundreds more injured. The rare request for international aid from Myanmar’s military junta highlights the devastating impact of the quake on the region.
FAQs
- What was the magnitude of the earthquake?
The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.7. - How many people were confirmed dead?
About 20 people were confirmed dead at a hospital in Naypyidaw. - How many people were trapped in the collapsed skyscraper in Thailand?
81 people were trapped in the collapsed skyscraper in Thailand. - What was the response from international organizations?
India, France, and the European Union all offered to provide assistance to the affected region.