A powerful earthquake in Burma and Thailand. Shocks felt in tourist paradise
The central part of Burma and part of Thailand were affected by a powerful magnitude of the Earth with a magnitude 7.7. The incident occurred on Friday at 12:50 local time (7:20 Polish time). The shocks were felt in the neighboring countries: India and Bangladesh.
The American geological service (USGS) said that the epicenter of the earthquake was about 16 km northwest of the city of Sicong in the central part of Imjanmy (Burma), at a depth of 10 km. Twelve minutes later, in the same area, a secondary shock with a magnitude 6.8 was recorded, also at a depth of 10 km.
A powerful earthquake in Burma. Magnituda shocks 7.7
Reports regarding the intensity of shocks suggest that in some places there may have been serious, even catastrophic damage.
In Mandalaj, the second largest city of Mjanmy, the earthquake caused significant damage to historical buildings, including part of the former royal palace. A 90-year-old bridge collapsed in the Sagaing region, and some sections of the highway connecting Mandalaj with the largest city of the country, Yangon, were destroyed.
Damage to religious temples and residential houses was recorded in the capital of Naypyitaw. Residents of Rangun in panic left their homes, but so far there are no reports of fatalities or wounded.
A tragedy in Thailand
In Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, the shocks were so strong that they caused the swaying of buildings. Alarms joined in many facilities, and the inhabitants evacuated into the streets in panic.
The skyscraper collapsed in the Chatuchak district during construction, burying at least 43 employees under the rubble. Emergency services conduct intensive search. Water from pools on the roofs of high buildings poured into the streets, and some of the metro and city rail services were suspended.
A rescue operation is underway
The Prime Minister of Thailand, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, interrupted the official visit to the island of Phuket to chair an urgent meeting devoted to the assessment of the effects of the earthquake. The authorities of both countries appeal to residents to be careful and prepare for possible secondary shocks.
Rescue Łużyba in Burma and in neighboring countries were put in a state of the highest readiness. Work is currently underway to assess losses and search for possible victims.
Historical context
Burma, located in a seismically active region, has already experienced destructive earthquakes in the past. In 2011, the magnitude of the 6.8 magnitude hit the eastern part of the country, causing the death of at least 50 people and injured 40 more.
Scientists have long warned against the possibility of huge earthquakes in the region of Southeast Asia. According to research in the future, even stronger shocks may occur, which may have catastrophic effects for densely populated areas.
