A strong 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar on Friday, causing tremors that were felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake, which struck near the Burmese city of Sagaing, close to Mandalay, had a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. Just 12 minutes later, a second 6.4 magnitude tremor followed in the same area.
In Bangkok, a high-rise building under construction collapsed, according to local police. A viral video showed the structure swaying before crumbling into a massive cloud of dust as panicked bystanders screamed and fled. Authorities have yet to confirm casualties.
While no immediate casualties were reported in Myanmar, the earthquake triggered alarms in buildings across Bangkok, prompting thousands of residents to evacuate high-rise apartments and hotels. The impact was strong enough to send water sloshing out of rooftop pools.
The greater Bangkok area, home to over 17 million people, saw widespread panic as residents gathered in the streets. Videos circulating on social media captured the chaotic scenes of evacuation in the Thai capital.
