A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake centered near Mandalay, Myanmar, has shaken Southeast Asia. Soon after the devastating incident took place, a chilling video from Bangkok, Thailand has gone viral.
As seen in the viral video, a 33-story high-rise building collapsed in a cloud of dust and debris near the busy Chatuchak market. As per reports, the under-construction building was for the new home of the Office of the Auditor General.
Tragically, reports indicate that at least 80 construction workers were trapped under the rubble. As rescue crews race against time to find survivors, at least three people lost their lives. However, that number may tragically rise as the situation unfolds.
As per local reports, the earthquake originated around 10 miles northwest of Mandalay around 1:30 PM local time at a shallow depth of six miles. Which often leads to more severe shaking. Locals felt the shake across a wide area, and early reports indicate extensive damage in Mandalay.
Myanmar Military Government Seeks Help From ASEAN Countries Amid Devastating Earthquake
In response, Myanmar’s military government declared a state of emergency in the region and has called for international help. The regime is welcoming offers from countries in the ASEAN bloc and beyond.
As rescue efforts continue in both Myanmar and Thailand, there are concerns about aftershocks that could complicate the situation further. The challenges faced by rescue teams and humanitarian organizations may only grow with time given Myanmar’s tight control over information sharing.
The military government there has reported severe shortages of blood and medical supplies as hospitals struggle to cope with the influx of injured individuals.
The emotional toll on families affected by this disaster is staggering. With the hopes of finding loved ones still alive weighing heavily on their hearts, many are left anxiously waiting for news.
As the rescue operations progress, there’s a collective hope that survivors will emerge from the debris and that those in need will receive the support they desperately require.
