1 dead, 43 missing due to earthquake, Thai Prime Minister declares Bangkok an emergency area
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has declared Bangkok an emergency zone after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake shook the Thai capital this afternoon, March 28.
At the time of the earthquake, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was in Phuket province.
At least one worker was killed and 43 others were missing when a building under construction in Bangkok collapsed this afternoon.
A video circulating on social media shows a building under construction in the Chatuchak district collapsing, sending debris flying around.
The Thai Meteorological Department reported that the earthquake occurred at midday, had a depth of 10 km, with the epicenter located in neighboring Myanmar.
Another video shows water pouring down from a rooftop swimming pool of a high-rise apartment building.
The tremors could be felt even on the second floor of the Thai PBS World newsroom on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road.
Phone and internet signals were also disrupted during and after the earthquake.
The blue and purple MRT subway lines in Bangkok were suspended immediately after the earthquake.
Witnesses said locals gathered to discuss the unprecedented experience.
Many people evacuated the buildings, even those living in one- or two-story houses ran outside and refused to return.
At a cafe in Bangkok, ceiling lights sway, and many doors open and close automatically.
Several motorists reported feeling the road shake. “It was terrifying,” said one. “I thought my vertigo was coming back.”
People are constantly calling friends and relatives to check on the situation. The disruption of internet and telephone services is adding to the anxiety and fear.
Some pictures of the aftermath of the earthquake:
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