7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Bangkok, Prompting Evacuations

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Bangkok, Thailand, causing evacuations due to swaying buildings. The quake, with its epicenter in Myanmar, was reported at a shallow depth. Fortunately, there were no immediate damages or casualties reported following the event.

On Friday, a powerful earthquake registering 7.7 in magnitude struck Bangkok, Thailand, prompting residents to evacuate swaying buildings. The U.S. Geological Survey and Germany’s GFZ center for geosciences indicated that the earthquake was relatively shallow, occurring at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) with its epicenter located in Myanmar.

The greater Bangkok metropolitan area, populated by over 17 million residents, witnessed alarms sounding in numerous structures around 1:30 p.m. High-rise apartments and hotels required interruptions, leading residents to descend staircases as they sought safety outside, huddled against the midday heat during the aftermath.

Despite the chaos, reports of damage and injuries were absent following the quake. Witnesses observed significant disturbances, including water spilling from swimming pools in the buildings; the tremors were strong enough to instigate such movements. The earthquake’s epicenter was near central Myanmar, approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of Monywa, although there were no immediate reports concerning its impact in Myanmar, which is currently embroiled in civil unrest.

In summary, a significant 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Bangkok on Friday, creating disturbance and prompting swift evacuations in the densely populated region. Fortunately, immediate assessments indicated no reported damage or casualties. The earthquake’s epicenter in Myanmar raises concerns for broader regional impacts, especially given the country’s ongoing civil conflict.

Original Source: www.newsday.com