SAGAING : The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the epicentre 16km northwest of Sagaing at a shallow depth of 10km, with tremors felt as far away as Thailand and southwest China.

Just 12 minutes later, a second earthquake measuring 6.4 magnitude struck 18km south of Sagaing, intensifying fears and damage in an already fragile region.

The quake’s power was felt hundreds of miles away in Bangkok, where a 30-storey unfinished building near Chatuchak Park collapsed, leaving 43 construction workers missing, Thai authorities confirmed. Of the 50 people reportedly inside at the time, only seven managed to escape, according to the National Institute for Emergency Medicine.

Rescue operations are ongoing, with the Thai government holding an emergency meeting to coordinate response efforts. Buildings in Bangkok are not typically built to withstand strong seismic activity, raising concerns about structural vulnerabilities.

In Myanmar’s capital, Naypyidaw, roads were reported buckling under the force of the quake, with structural damage reported across several regions. Communication from within Myanmar remains limited, as the country continues to grapple with political instability following the 2021 military coup.

The rare and powerful seismic event sent shockwaves through multiple countries, with residents in Thailand and southwest China reporting prolonged tremors. Authorities across the region are now assessing damage and bracing for potential aftershocks.

As rescue teams scramble to reach those trapped and assess the full extent of the damage, the earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic threats and the need for improved structural resilience and emergency preparedness.

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