A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Bangkok, prompting evacuations from buildings. Occurring at a shallow depth in Myanmar, the quake affected over 17 million residents, yet no immediate damage or casualties were reported. The incident occurred amidst a backdrop of civil conflict in Myanmar and the effects there remain unknown.
On Friday, a significant earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck the Thai capital, Bangkok, causing notable tremors in the city. The U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with Germany’s GFZ center for geosciences, reported that the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), with its epicenter located in neighboring Myanmar, as per preliminary information.
The greater Bangkok area, which houses over 17 million residents, saw many individuals living in high-rise apartments. Following the quake, alarms echoed throughout buildings, prompting anxious residents to evacuate rapidly via staircases from tall condominiums and hotels located in the densely populated central area. Many individuals were observed gathering on the streets, seeking refuge from the sweltering midday sun in the moments that followed the seismic event.
Despite the intensity of the earthquake, there were no initial reports indicating any significant damage or casualties. The tremors were powerful enough to cause water to splash out of swimming pools situated in high-rise buildings. The quake’s epicenter was determined to be in central Myanmar, roughly 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of the city of Monywa. At this time, there are no immediate reports detailing the earthquake’s repercussions in Myanmar, which is currently embroiled in a civil conflict.
In conclusion, the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that shook Bangkok prompted immediate evacuations, with residents responding quickly to alarm systems within buildings. Fortunately, there have been no reported damages or casualties thus far, although the effects on neighboring Myanmar remain unclear amidst ongoing civil unrest. The incident highlights the importance of preparedness in densely populated urban areas, particularly in relation to natural disasters.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
