Severe Earthquake Shakes Bangkok and Surrounding Regions

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Bangkok, originating from Myanmar, causing buildings to sway but without immediate reports of damage or casualties. Residents evacuated high-rises, seeking shade in the streets. The quake’s epicenter was located 50 kilometers east of Monywa, Myanmar, currently affected by civil unrest.

A significant earthquake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, struck Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, causing buildings to shake. According to Germany’s GFZ center for geosciences, the tremor occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (or approximately 6.2 miles), with its epicenter located in neighboring Myanmar. Fortunately, initial reports indicated no damage or casualties as a result of this powerful quake.

Bangkok, which houses over 17 million residents, features many high-rise apartments that felt the earthquake’s force. Many individuals evacuated buildings as they swayed during this rare seismic event, with startled residents rushing out of condominiums and hotels situated in the bustling central area. They gathered in the streets to find shade from the midday sun while awaiting further information.

The quake was so powerful that it caused water to splash out of swimming pools situated on higher floors of the buildings. The epicenter of the earthquake was located in central Myanmar, approximately 50 kilometers (around 30 miles) east of Monywa. There were no immediate reports detailing the aftermath of the quake in Myanmar, which is currently experiencing a civil conflict.

In summary, a strong 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Bangkok and neighboring Myanmar, with its epicenter identified in Myanmar. The quake resulted in no immediate casualties or damages, but it did provoke evacuations in high-rise buildings across Bangkok, impacting its large population. The situation remains under observation as authorities assess any potential repercussions.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com