Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.7 and 6.4 in magnitude, struck central Myanmar on Friday, triggering strong tremors that were felt in neighbouring Thailand and parts of India. The shaking was so intense that in Bangkok, a rooftop swimming pool dramatically overflowed, cascading down a high-rise like a waterfall.
Watch the clip here:
According to news agency AFP, a 30-storey skyscraper under construction for government offices collapsed in the city, trapping 43 workers. The full extent of casualties and damage remains unclear.
The epicentre of the quakes was located about 50 kilometres east of Monywa, a city in central Myanmar. Despite the severity, there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties within Myanmar itself, a country already embroiled in a civil conflict.
(Also read: Shocking video captures train rattling at Bangkok metro station as earthquake strikes)
Impact in Northeast India
The tremors were also felt in India’s northeastern states, including Manipur and Meghalaya. Officials reported that the first earthquake, registering 7.2 magnitude, struck at approximately 11:50 am, followed by a second quake of 7.0 magnitude at 12:02 pm, according to preliminary data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Manipur.
Despite the intensity, no immediate reports of damage emerged from Manipur, which shares a 390-kilometre-long border with Myanmar. Locals, however, experienced strong tremors that forced many to evacuate their homes.
(Also read: Bangkok skyscraper reduced to rubble after strong tremors from Myanmar earthquake. Video)
Residents share their experience
Residents in Manipur’s capital, Imphal, were startled by the sudden jolts. In the Rupmahal area, people rushed out of their homes as they felt the tremors.
“We felt the first earthquake as the water in our pond was shaking,” said a resident of Kangjabi Leirak Nagamapal in Imphal.
As of now, authorities continue to monitor the situation, assessing the potential impact in affected areas.
