Myanmar earthquake: Naypyidaw hospital becomes ‘mass casualty area’
PTC Web Desk: A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday afternoon, causing widespread devastation. The epicentre was located near Sagaing, approximately 260 km from Naypyidaw, the nation's capital. Reports indicate that a 1,000-bed hospital in Naypyidaw has become a potential "mass casualty area," according to AFP. While the exact number of casualties at the hospital remains unconfirmed, at least 20 deaths have been reported across Myanmar.
Among the fatalities, 10 persons lost their lives when a mosque in Mandalay collapsed while worshippers were praying. The quake also damaged several residential buildings in Mandalay and led to the destruction of an old bridge over the Irrawaddy River. A monastery near the Thailand border was also reduced to rubble.
Outside the hospital in Naypyidaw, distressing scenes were witnessed as injured victims were treated on the streets, with intravenous drips hanging from gurneys as family members and loved ones gathered in shock.
The powerful quake sent tremors across Myanmar and beyond. Strong tremors were felt in Bangkok, where metro services were briefly suspended. In China, Yunnan province recorded 7.9 magnitude tremors, as per the China Earthquake Networks Centre. Mild tremors were reported from Kolkata, Manipur, and parts of Dhaka and Chattogram in Bangladesh.
In Bangkok's Chatuchak district, a 30-story under-construction government building collapsed, trapping at least 43 workers under the rubble. Videos circulating on social media show twisted metal and debris, with rescue workers struggling to locate survivors. Bangkok police officials estimate that hundreds of people may be injured, though an exact count is yet to be determined.
Social media platforms have been flooded with videos showing buildings shaking violently, forcing people to run for their lives. One video from Bangkok captured a metro train violently shaking at a station. Another showed the water from an infinity pool cascading over the edge due to the tremors.
At the time of the #Earthquake, some people were on the MRT and luckily the swaying moment had already stopped at the station. So, everyone ran out quickly while the station floor was swinging. #Thailand #Bangkok #Myanmar #แผ่นดินไหว pic.twitter.com/1XlClCWkfH — कृतिका शर्मा (@Kriti_Sanatani) March 28, 2025
In Myanmar, images suggest more people remain trapped under collapsed structures, especially in Mandalay. The Mandalay Airport has suffered significant damage, and a monastery near Taunggyi, in Shan State, has also been destroyed.
- With inputs from agencies
