A powerful magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck Myanmar early Thursday, sending tremors hundreds of kilometers across Southeast Asia and causing a partially constructed building to collapse in Bangkok, Thailand. The quake, which occurred near Myanmar's northern border, prompted Myanmar's military government to declare a state of emergency in six affected regions.
In Bangkok, residents reported violent shaking of high-rise buildings lasting nearly a minute. The collapse of a 15-story condominium under construction in the Phaya Thai district has left multiple casualties, though exact numbers remain unconfirmed as rescue teams work to clear debris. Thai authorities have deployed sniffer dogs and heavy machinery to locate survivors.
Myanmar state media confirmed emergency measures are being implemented in the hardest-hit areas, with military-led teams coordinating disaster response. International seismologists warn of potential aftershocks, while regional airlines have issued advisories for travelers due to temporary disruptions at major airports.
The incident highlights growing concerns about cross-border seismic risks in Asia's rapidly urbanizing cities. Geologists note that the Indo-Myanmar tectonic boundary remains one of the world's most seismically active zones, with 18 earthquakes above magnitude 7.0 recorded since 1900.
