Magnitude 7.7 Earthquake Shakes Bangkok and Surrounding Regions

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Bangkok, impacting over 17 million residents. The epicenter was in Myanmar, with reports indicating no immediate damage or casualties. The quake caused evacuations, particularly in high-rise buildings, as residents sought safety from the tremor.

On Friday, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Thai capital of Bangkok, affecting the region significantly. According to Germany’s GFZ center for geosciences, the quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) with its epicenter located in neighboring Myanmar. Thankfully, preliminary reports indicate that there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties following the incident.

The greater Bangkok area, with a population exceeding 17 million people, houses many individuals in high-rise apartments. During the tremor, numerous buildings swayed, prompting evacuations as startled residents exited their condominiums and hotels. Many took refuge in the streets, seeking relief from the midday sun while they awaited further information.

The earthquake was sufficiently intense to cause water to slosh out of swimming pools located in tall buildings as the tremor shook the city. The epicenter of the earthquake was determined to be in central Myanmar, approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of Monywa. At this time, there have been no immediate accounts regarding the quake’s impact in Myanmar, where the nation is currently experiencing civil unrest.

In summary, a significant earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale impacted Bangkok and Myanmar, sending residents into the streets and prompting building evacuations. Fortunately, there are no immediate reports of damage or casualties, and further assessments regarding the effects in Myanmar are pending. The seismic event highlights the vulnerability of urban populations in seismically active regions.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com