Kedah Women’s Cycling Team Safe After Earthquake Tremors in Bangkok
Head Coach’s Account of the Incident
The Kedah women’s cycling team, participating in the Tour of Thailand 2025, is safe, according to head coach Noor Alfizar Othman. The team arrived at Don Mueang International Airport at 11:45 am yesterday and relocated to another area approximately 400 kilometers from Bangkok.
The Unexpected Turn of Events
"We departed yesterday and are expected to return home on April 5 after the competition concludes. We arrived at the hotel at 12:50 pm, and everything was fine then, so we all went to our rooms," said Noor Alfizar. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when one of the athletes, sitting on a chair, informed them that the chair was shaking.
The Team’s Quick Response
After that, I felt the hotel building swaying left and right, and when I pulled back the window curtain, I saw the electric poles and traffic lights on the road swaying as well," she said. "The situation was quite chaotic…I told them to grab their important belongings and dash out of the hotel. We wanted to flee and be far from Bangkok to ensure our safety."
Expressing Relief and Gratitude
"Thank God, we are all safe, and all the relatives and families of the athletes have been contacted and informed about their safety and wellbeing," she said. Noor Alfizar added that a representative from the Malaysian National Cycling Federation had contacted her to inquire about their condition, and officials from the Thailand Cycling Association had also helped them leave Bangkok earlier this morning.
The Team’s Resilience
"Yesterday, most of us couldn’t sleep because we were worried, and there was still some tremor, though not as severe as the first one. Moreover, we could hear the sound of ambulance and fire truck sirens until early morning," she said. "However, thankfully, all the athletes regained their calm, composure, and spirits after seeing cyclists from other teams here. They are eager to start the race next Monday, and seeing that situation, I, as the head coach, also feel relieved," she said.
Earthquake Details
The Thailand Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar at 1:20 pm, with tremors felt in Bangkok.
Conclusion
The Kedah women’s cycling team’s experience is a testament to the importance of quick thinking and teamwork in the face of unexpected challenges. Despite the initial shock and concern, the team’s resilience and determination to participate in the Tour of Thailand 2025 are a shining example of the power of human spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What was the magnitude of the earthquake?
A: The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1, according to the Thailand Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
Q: Where was the epicenter of the earthquake?
A: The epicenter of the earthquake was in Myanmar.
Q: How did the Kedah women’s cycling team respond to the earthquake tremors?
A: The team responded quickly, grabbing their important belongings and dashing out of the hotel to ensure their safety.
Q: How did the team’s relatives and families react to the news?
A: The relatives and families of the athletes were contacted and informed about their safety and wellbeing, and were relieved to hear that the team was safe.