Deadly 7.7 Earthquake Devastates Southeast Asia—Death Toll Keeps Climbing [WATCH]

A devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Southeast Asia on Friday, leaving a trail of destruction across Thailand and Myanmar, with several fatalities reported and many others feared trapped under rubble.

At least three people were confirmed dead in Thailand, where the earthquake brought down a skyscraper under construction in Bangkok.

Nearly 100 people are still missing, as rescue efforts continue.

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Dramatic footage from the scene showed the multi-story building collapsing into a cloud of dust, near the popular Chatuchak market, as onlookers fled in panic.

7.7 magnitude earthquake hits Southeast Asia, mainly impacting Myanmar and Thailand.

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The collapse of the building, which had a crane atop it, occurred amidst widespread panic in the capital.

Additional footage showing the collapse of an under construction skyscraper in Bangkok, during today’s 7.7 magnitude earthquake on the border between Thailand and Myanmar. pic.twitter.com/NX3o5XbJtA

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Seven people have been rescued from the rubble, Thailand’s Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed, but with the site still unstable, rescue teams have been unable to reach those trapped beneath the debris.

Over 40 construction workers are reported missing, following the collapse of an under construction high-rise building in the Thai capital of Bangkok, as a result of today’s 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar. pic.twitter.com/ydkbxExorf

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“We have 90 people still missing,” Wechayachai said. “The situation remains difficult to manage.”

The earthquake, which occurred around lunchtime, sent shockwaves through Bangkok. People ran out onto the streets in a panic, including hotel guests in bathrobes and swimming costumes.

In one luxury hotel, water cascaded down from an elevated pool, adding to the chaos.

Moment of the 7.7 Magnitude powerful earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand (28.03.2025) pic.twitter.com/KOLTBVS4ES

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Bangkok’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, confirmed that at least two more deaths had been reported in the capital.

In Myanmar, the earthquake also caused widespread damage. At least three people were killed in the town of Taungoo when a mosque partially collapsed.

In the city of Aung Ban, two people died, and 20 others were injured when a hotel building fell.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake struck at a depth of 6.2 miles, with the epicenter located near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city.

A strong aftershock measuring 6.4 magnitude followed the initial tremor, further unsettling the region.

In response to the devastation, Bangkok’s city authorities declared the capital a disaster zone, noting the need for further assessment and assistance for those still at risk.

Bangkok, home to over 17 million people, is known for its dense population and high-rise buildings, many of which were affected by the tremor.

The aftermath saw the sound of sirens reverberating across the city, while traffic flooded already congested streets, causing gridlock.

Fraser Morton, a tourist from Scotland, recalled the terror he experienced while shopping when the tremor hit.

“All of a sudden the whole building began to move. Immediately there was screaming and a lot of panic,” he said.

“I just started walking calmly at first, but then the building started really moving. A lot of screaming, a lot of panic, people running the wrong way down the escalators.”

Morton went on to describe how, once outside, he saw debris and dust billowing from the building. “It was pretty intense. Lots of chaos,” he added.

Paul Vincent, a tourist from England, was at a street-side bar when the quake struck.

“The next thing, everybody came onto the street, so there was a lot of screaming and panicking, which obviously made it a lot worse,” he said.

As he looked up at a nearby high-rise building, he saw it swaying, and water pouring from a rooftop pool.

“When I saw the building, that’s when it hit me,” he said.

“There were people crying in the streets, and the panic was horrendous.”

In Myanmar, the ruling military declared a state of emergency in several regions, though ongoing civil unrest has complicated the delivery of aid.

Social media reports showed severe damage to buildings in Mandalay, including part of the former royal palace.

“We all ran out of the house as everything started shaking,” one witness said.

“I witnessed a five-story building collapse in front of my eyes. Everyone is out on the road, and no one dares to go back inside buildings.”

In the Sagaing region, a 90-year-old bridge collapsed, while sections of the highway connecting Mandalay to Yangon were damaged.

In Naypyitaw, Myanmar’s capital, religious shrines and homes were also reported to have sustained damage.

The earthquake and its aftermath have left a region in shock, with many still waiting for updates on their loved ones and communities.

Rescue operations in both Thailand and Myanmar continue, as authorities work to manage the aftermath of one of the most powerful quakes to hit Southeast Asia in recent years.

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