Thailand building collapse leaves 3 dead, 81 trapped in Bangkok; India issues emergency helpline for citizens
Myanmar earthquake aftermath: At least three workers were killed and 81 people remain trapped after a 30-storey under-construction tower collapsed in Bangkok following a powerful earthquake in Myanmar on Friday, according to Thai Deputy Prime Minister. The authorities have declared Thailand’s capital a disaster zone.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar at 12.50 pm local time (0620 GMT), with its epicentre located 16 km (10 miles) northwest of Sagaing, at a depth of 10 km, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremors were felt across Thailand, China, Vietnam, and parts of India, including West Bengal’s Kolkata and Manipur’s Imphal.
Following the earthquake, Bangkok city hall declared the capital a disaster area, and the Bangkok governor has been tasked with coordinating the emergency response. Reports indicate that multiple high-rise buildings in Bangkok suffered damage, although the extent is still being assessed. Some metro and light rail services were temporarily suspended as a precaution.
Rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate and extract survivors from the rubble of the collapsed building. Downed power lines have complicated the response efforts, especially in reaching the affected Mandalay, Sagaing, and southern Shan state regions of Myanmar, according to the Red Cross.
The Red Cross has reported significant damage across Myanmar, though the full extent of the destruction is still being evaluated. Roads in the capital Naypyidaw have buckled, and infrastructure damage has been recorded in multiple locations. The humanitarian organisation is currently assessing emergency relief needs.
India issues emergency contact for nationals in Thailand
The Indian Embassy in Bangkok has issued an emergency helpline number, 66 618819218, for Indian nationals in Thailand. The Embassy assured that no Indian citizens have been reported harmed so far.
"After powerful earthquake tremors recorded in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand, the Embassy is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with Thai authorities. So far, no untoward incident involving any Indian citizen has been reported... All members of the Indian Embassy in Bangkok and Consulate in Chiang Mai are safe," the statement read.
- With inputs from agencies
