Panic Ensues as Rare Earthquake Disrupts Life in Bangkok

BANGKOK - A rare and powerful earthquake struck Bangkok on Friday, causing widespread panic and chaos as the city came to a standstill. The tremors, which reached a magnitude of 7.1, originated from neighboring Myanmar, approximately 1,020 kilometers (635 miles) away from the Thai capital. The earthquake resulted in the tragic loss of nine lives in Bangkok, including eight construction workers who perished when a 33-story building collapsed.

Rescue teams equipped with dogs scoured the debris, searching for over 100 individuals reported missing at the construction site. In the wake of the quake, thousands of residents and foreign tourists were forced to evacuate their hotels and offices, creating a scene of confusion and distress in one of Asia's busiest cities. Many were seen in casual attire, such as bathrobes and swim shorts, as they fled to safety.

In various parts of the city, urban rail systems halted operations, and roadways became severely congested, leaving commuters stranded. Witnesses described skyscrapers swaying dramatically during the earthquake, intensifying the fear among people in the area. Huge crowds gathered outside hotels, offices, and shopping centers, with security personnel directing them away from tall structures in anticipation of potential aftershocks, which numbered 11 in the first three and a half hours following the initial quake.

One school teacher recounted the chaos as she dashed down from the seventh floor of a mall, describing the atmosphere as apocalyptic. The incessant sound of sirens heightened her anxiety as she sought refuge in Lumpini Park, one of the designated safe areas for evacuees.

Footage circulating on social media captured dramatic scenes, such as white water cascading down the exterior of the 37-floor Intercontinental Hotel, where the tremors caused the rooftop swimming pool to overflow. By late afternoon, local authorities had received 169 reports of structural damage throughout the city, prompting the establishment of temporary shelters for those unable to return home.

Transportation options dwindled as packed buses struggled to navigate through the congested streets. Many individuals resorted to walking long distances to reach their homes, with one social media user humorously reflecting on their experience of becoming a 'disaster victim' after a grueling three-hour trek covering eight kilometers (five miles).

In response to the situation, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt ordered four major parks to remain open overnight, providing food, water, and shelter for the displaced residents. Among those seeking refuge was an office worker who expressed her fear of returning to her 10th-floor workplace, recalling how she questioned her survival during the intense shaking.

The earthquake has left an indelible mark on Bangkok, a city of over 11 million residents, with many still reeling from the unexpected and rare seismic event.