A massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar on Friday, followed by an aftershock of 6.4 magnitude just 12 minutes later causing chaos and panic in the country and neighbouring Thailand. Another aftershock measuring 4.9 magnitude was recorded nearly an hour later. Tremors were also felt in Thailand, parts of northeast India, and China.

Following which, both Thailand and Myanmar have declared a state of emergency.

Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared Bangkok an emergency zone.

“Authorities issue nationwide alerts, advise public via SMS and media, and mobilize security forces. Airports, hospitals, and transport are on standby. Citizens urged to avoid high-rises,” noted the Thailand government on X.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt ordered the establishment of an earthquake response command centre in Bangkok after an emergency meeting and instructed all districts and hospitals to assess damages.

The police chief in Thailand has also ordered nationwide assistance.Officers are evacuating people from unsafe buildings, aiding victims, and managing traffic. Police hospitals are on standby for emergencies.

A high-rise building under construction near Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market collapsed, according to police reports. The incident has left at least 43 people trapped, while two fatalities were confirmed. Rescue teams have managed to pull seven individuals from the debris so far, as per reports.

The iconic Ava Bridge in Mandalay collapsed into the Irrawaddy River, while water cascaded from the rooftop pool of the Intercontinental Hotel in Bangkok. 

“Officers are evacuating people from unsafe buildings, aiding victims, and managing traffic. Police hospitals are on standby for emergencies,” said a statement from the Thai government.

According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake's epicentre was 16 km northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar, at a depth of 10 km. The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) also confirmed the depth, placing the epicentre near Mandalay.

Authorities in Myanmar have also launched large-scale rescue operations, with emergency teams working tirelessly to find survivors and assist those trapped in their homes.

(with inputs from syndicated feed)