A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake rocked Bangkok on Friday afternoon, shaking buildings and sending thousands of people rushing into the streets in panic.
Bangkok Buildings Sway as Quake Hits
The tremor struck around 1:30 p.m., causing alarms to blare and high-rise buildings to sway dangerously. Many residents evacuated down staircases, while others watched in shock as water sloshed out of rooftop pools.
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The greater Bangkok area is home to over 17 million people, with many living in tall apartments. The strong quake forced hotels and condominiums to clear out, leaving people seeking shade in the intense midday heat.
A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake rocked Bangkok on Friday afternoon [Image created with AI]
Epicentre in Myanmar, No Immediate Damage Reported
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Germany’s GFZ centre for geosciences reported the quake at a depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles). Its epicentre was in central Myanmar, about 50 kilometres (30 miles) east of Monywa.
Despite the powerful tremor, there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties in Thailand or Myanmar. However, Myanmar is already facing a civil war, making communication and damage assessment difficult.
Conflicting Reports on Magnitude
While USGS confirmed a 7.7 magnitude quake, GFZ initially reported a 6.9 magnitude tremor. The numbers may change as more data comes in.
Rare Quake Leaves Bangkok Residents Shaken
Thailand rarely experiences earthquakes strong enough to shake its capital. This rare event startled many, leaving them fearful of aftershocks. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, urging residents to remain cautious.
More updates will follow as reports come in.
