Strong Earthquake in Bangkok Causes Evacuations as Buildings Sway

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake impacted Bangkok on Friday, causing evacuations from buildings. Reported as shallow at 10 kilometers in depth, with its epicenter in Myanmar, the tremor affected 17 million residents. Fortunately, there have been no reports of damage or injuries.

On Friday, a powerful earthquake registered at a magnitude of 7.7 struck Bangkok, Thailand, causing buildings to sway significantly. This seismic event, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey and Germany’s GFZ Center for Geosciences, had its epicenter located in Myanmar, occurring at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (approximately 6.2 miles). Given that over 17 million individuals reside in the Bangkok metropolitan area, many of whom inhabit high-rise buildings, the impact was immediate and palpable.

At around 1:30 p.m., alarms sounded across the city as the earthquake hit, prompting evacuated residents to rush down the staircases of high-rise condos and hotels situated in central Bangkok. Following the tremor, people remained outside in the streets, seeking refuge from the intense midday sun as they awaited further updates. Fortunately, preliminary reports indicated no immediate damages or casualties resulting from the quake.

The earthquake’s intensity was evident as it caused water to slosh out of swimming pools, particularly those situated on upper floors of high-rise buildings. The epicenter was identified near central Myanmar, approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of Monywa. While the earthquake’s repercussions in Myanmar remain unknown—especially considering the ongoing civil strife—Bangkok felt the effects sharply as it grappled with the aftermath of the quake.

In summary, a significant earthquake of magnitude 7.7 struck Bangkok, prompting immediate evacuations from tall buildings without any reported damage or casualties. The quake’s epicenter lay in central Myanmar, roughly 50 kilometers from Monywa, yet its implications for that region remain unclear due to ongoing conflict. The incident underscores the vulnerability of densely populated urban areas during seismic events.

Original Source: www.newsday.com