The powerful earthquakes that struck Myanmar on Friday sent shockwaves across the region, with their impact felt as far as Bangkok, where multiple high-rise buildings violently swayed. The tremors, measuring 7.7 and 6.4 in magnitude, created terrifying moments for residents and visitors, with dramatic footage capturing the extent of the seismic event.
A particularly harrowing video posted by an X user showed a Korean family trapped inside a high-rise building in Bangkok as the structure shook violently. The clip, which quickly went viral, featured a distressed child crying out in fear while the tremors continued. The uncertainty of the moment gripped viewers, highlighting the severity of the situation. Fortunately, in a later update, the user confirmed that the family, including their young child, had safely evacuated the building. “We’ve come down from the 31st floor. The little one is fine too. They’re so brave, didn’t fuss at all even when we had to take the stairs,” the post read, providing much-needed relief to those following the incident.
The seismic activity triggered a series of unsettling incidents across Bangkok. Another shocking video captured the moment water from rooftop swimming pools of skyscrapers spilled over in massive waves, cascading down the buildings and creating what looked like artificial waterfalls. The tremors caused the pools to slosh violently, underscoring the intensity of the earthquake's impact.
Adding to the chaos, a 30-story skyscraper under construction for government offices in Bangkok suffered a catastrophic collapse, trapping 43 workers inside. Rescue efforts were swiftly launched as emergency teams raced against time to save those caught in the wreckage.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 50 kilometers east of Monywa, a city in central Myanmar. While the full extent of the damage in Myanmar is still being assessed, the tremors’ reach into Thailand has raised concerns about the structural integrity of high-rise buildings in earthquake-prone regions. With aftershocks possible, authorities are urging residents and workers in affected areas to remain vigilant.