Myanmar Earthquake: Emergency Declared in Bangkok and Stock Exchange Suspension
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar, affecting Thailand and prompting an emergency declaration in Bangkok. A skyscraper collapsed in Bangkok, trapping workers, as tremors reached neighboring regions. The Stock Exchange of Thailand suspended trading due to the quake’s impact. No casualties reported yet, but the situation is exacerbated by Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict.
On Friday, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Sagaing region of Myanmar and was felt across Thailand, prompting police concerns over possible casualties. In Bangkok, a high-rise construction site experienced a collapse due to the quake’s intensity.
The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the Sagaing region, an area already suffering from civil war, which complicates travel and rescue operations due to numerous military and rebel checkpoints.
Thai authorities declared a state of emergency in Bangkok following the quake. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra reported that the tremors were felt throughout the country.
Consequently, the Stock Exchange of Thailand halted all trading activities in the afternoon session to address the impact of the earthquake that originated in neighboring Myanmar.
In a significant incident, a 30-story skyscraper under construction for governmental offices collapsed, trapping 43 workers. This rapid collapse turned the structure into debris within seconds.
The US Geological Survey reported that the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). Social media videos displayed rooftop pools spilling over as buildings swayed, highlighting the quake’s effect.
As of now, there have been no immediate casualty reports, and an emergency meeting was convened by the Prime Minister to discuss the earthquake’s impact.
Witnesses reported alarm systems echoed within buildings, and many residents evacuated through staircases in central Bangkok’s high-rise structures.
Myanmar, enduring a civil conflict for over four years due to a military coup, lacks the resources essential for effective disaster response, further complicating rescue and recovery efforts.
The earthquake’s tremors extended beyond Thailand to China’s Yunnan province, indicating the quake’s considerable strength.
The earthquake’s impact on both Myanmar and Thailand underscores the urgent need for effective disaster preparedness, especially in conflict-affected areas like Myanmar. With ongoing civil unrest impeding rescue efforts, regional cooperation and international aid may be critical for recovery. The suspension of trading activities in Thailand’s stock exchange reflects the significant economic implications of such natural disasters.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
