the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Bangkok, Thailand, a massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake shook central Myanmar (Burma) on Friday, leaving at least 694 people dead and over 1,600 injured. The quake struck Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, and was felt more than 600 miles away in Bangkok, Thailand, where at least 10 people were killed, 26 injured, and nearly 50 remain missing.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) warns that the death toll could surpass 10,000 as rescue efforts continue.
Widespread Devastation Across Myanmar & Thailand
The earthquake caused severe destruction throughout Myanmar and parts of Thailand, including:
🏚️ Collapsed bridges and damaged roads
⚡ Downed power lines, leading to widespread blackouts
🏯 Historic sites damaged, including the former Royal Palace in Mandalay
🏢 A high-rise tower under construction in Bangkok collapsed
The disaster comes at a critical time for Myanmar, a country already struggling with an ongoing civil war since the 2021 military coup. The ruling junta has severely restricted international aid access, further complicating relief efforts.
Why Did the Earthquake Happen?
The quake originated roughly six miles deep along the Sagaing Fault Line, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates shift against each other in a strike-slip movement. This type of lateral shifting is common in the region but rarely produces quakes of this magnitude.
Ongoing Challenges & Relief Efforts
Rescue teams are working tirelessly to recover survivors trapped under rubble, but the country’s political instability has hindered international aid efforts. Many fear the death toll will continue to rise as emergency services struggle to reach remote and war-torn areas.
Bangkok Named Top Tourist City Amid Disaster
Bangkok was named the world’s top tourist city in 2024, with Asian destinations like Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore also ranking in the top 10. However, the disaster has raised concerns over the region’s infrastructure safety and ability to withstand future quakes.
What Happens Next?
🔹 Ongoing search and rescue operations in Myanmar and Thailand
🔹 International aid groups mobilizing to assist survivors
🔹 Aftershocks expected, with continued risk of structural collapses
As the world watches, Myanmar faces a humanitarian crisis, and the death toll may continue to climb.
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The only building that collapsed in Bangkok was being built by a Chinese firm. Just an observation.