Myanmar Earthquake Prompts Emergency Declaration in Bangkok and trading Suspension
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand, causing a state of emergency in Bangkok. Key points include a collapsed skyscraper in Bangkok, trading suspensions, widespread tremors, and challenges in disaster response in Myanmar due to ongoing civil war.
A strong earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck midday on Friday, affecting Myanmar and parts of Thailand. The impact has yet to yield reports on potential casualties. Notably, a high-rise building under construction in Bangkok collapsed as a result of the tremor, leading to concerns for trapped workers.
The earthquake originated from the Sagaing region of Myanmar, a locality already beleaguered by ongoing civil unrest. Access in this area is severely restricted due to multiple groups vying for control, which complicates emergency response efforts.
In response to the earthquake, Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared a state of emergency in Bangkok. The Department of Disaster Prevention reported widespread tremors felt across the country. Moreover, the Stock Exchange of Thailand suspended trading activities during the afternoon session following the quake.
In Bangkok, a newly constructed 30-storey government office building collapsed, trapping 43 workers beneath the wreckage. Preliminary assessments indicate that the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), with the epicenter located in Myanmar.
There have been no initial reports of casualties, and authorities are monitoring the situation closely. Prime Minister Shinawatra convened an urgent meeting to evaluate the earthquake’s impact on the city and the region.
Alarms sounded in various buildings, prompting evacuations in high-rise condominiums and hotels in central Bangkok as frightened residents dashed for safety. It is worth noting that the tremors were also felt in China’s Yunnan province, underscoring the quake’s intensity and reach.
Myanmar has long struggled with civil unrest since the military coup over four years ago, heightening concerns regarding the country’s ability to manage the aftermath of such natural disasters. As one of Asia’s least equipped nations, Myanmar faces significant challenges in disaster response.
The high-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar has prompted an emergency declaration in Bangkok, alongside significant disruptions including the collapse of a construction site and stock trading suspension. Given the ongoing civil strife, Myanmar’s capability to respond to this disaster remains limited, raising concerns about potential ramifications and the need for international assistance.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
