Earthquake Strikes Bangkok: Tourists’ Disconcerting Experience
The Quake Strikes
French tourist Augustin Gus was shopping for a t-shirt in one of Bangkok’s many malls when a massive quake began shaking the building in the Thai capital. "Just when I left the elevator, the earth starts moving. I thought it was me… it was not me," the 23-year-old told AFP. "Everyone was screaming and running, so I started screaming as well."
The Impact on Bangkok
The powerful 7.7-magnitude quake struck Friday afternoon in neighbouring Myanmar, where over 1,000 people have been killed and several cities face large-scale destruction. The damage and toll was far smaller in Bangkok, with 10 people confirmed dead so far, most in the collapse of an under-construction skyscraper.
Tourists’ Experience
For many tourists who flocked to the popular destination, the quake was a disconcerting experience. Some were lazing in rooftop pools when the powerful shaking began to slop the water off the edge of high-rise buildings. Others were left stranded in the streets with their luggage when the city’s metro and light-rail system shut down for safety checks after the quake.
Residents’ Guidance
The city’s residents, unused to earthquakes, were not able to offer much guidance, said one business traveller from the Solomon Islands, who asked not to be named. "Unfortunately there were no procedures in place" during his evacuation from the 21st floor of a Bangkok skyscraper on Friday. "So everyone was getting confused," he said. "I just wanted to get out."
Tourists’ Reactions
Cristina Mangion, 31, from Malta, was in her hotel bed when the shaking began. "I thought I was feeling dizzy from the heat," she told AFP. Hotel staff came to knock at the doors of each room to offer help, and Mangion’s father quickly messaged to check she was okay.
Soldiering On
Despite the experience, Mangion and Gus were among the tourists out on Saturday at the sprawling Chatuchak market. "That’s normal… people are scared," said Yim Songtakob, a market security guard who has worked at the market for a decade. Mangion said she would not be deterred by the tremors. "I feel bad for what happened. I think the best thing is to actually come here and still continue as if nothing happened. This weekend will probably be harder than usual for business," she added.
Conclusion
The earthquake that struck Bangkok has left a lasting impact on the city and its visitors. While it was a disconcerting experience for many, it has also brought out the resilience and adaptability of the tourists. As Mangion and Gus have shown, it is possible to soldier on and make the most of a challenging situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the magnitude of the earthquake?
A: The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.7.
Q: How many people have been killed in Myanmar?
A: Over 1,000 people have been killed in Myanmar.
Q: What was the impact on Bangkok?
A: The damage and toll were far smaller in Bangkok, with 10 people confirmed dead so far, most in the collapse of an under-construction skyscraper.
Q: How did tourists react to the earthquake?
A: Many tourists were left disconcerted and scared, but some, like Mangion and Gus, were determined to make the most of their trip and continue as normal.