Bangkok Declared Disaster Area After Powerful Earthquake in Myanmar

Bangkok has been officially declared a disaster area following a powerful earthquake in neighboring Myanmar, City Hall announced on Friday.

Governor Leads Disaster Response

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has been tasked with coordinating the city’s disaster response efforts. He reported that multiple high-rise buildings sustained damage, and inspections are currently underway. He urged residents to exercise caution.

Air Travel Unaffected, Public Transport Suspended

Despite the tremors, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) confirmed that all flights to and from Bangkok remain operational. However, the Transport Ministry temporarily suspended public transport services, including buses and all eight electric train lines. Authorities are inspecting the rail infrastructure, and services are expected to resume by Saturday morning.

“The roads and pavements all became clogged with traffic and people,” said Mark Smith, a 65-year-old from the United Kingdom. “I’ve not been able to leave town, so I’m searching for a Grab taxi, which may or may not arrive.”

Damage to Roads and Emergency Measures

The earthquake caused visible damage to Bangkok’s Rama II Road, making parts of the surface uneven. In response, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was in a meeting in Phuket at the time, announced the establishment of a 24-hour emergency response center to coordinate relief efforts across state agencies.

Meanwhile, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) confirmed that telecom providers had not reported any damage to their base stations, ensuring continued communication services.

Earthquake Details

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck northwest of the city of Sagaing in Myanmar on Friday afternoon at a shallow depth. This was followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock minutes later.

Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage while ensuring public safety in the aftermath of the quake.