Earthquake-Hit Bangkok Rescue Ops: Trapped And Terrified Victims Evacuated From Elevator In Daring Rescue | VIDEO

New Delhi: In the aftermath of a catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Thailand and neighboring Myanmar on Friday, chaos unfolded as people in Bangkok’s Silom Complex were trapped in an elevator. Rescuers can be seen in the video going down to save those trapped inside the elevator. 

The earthquake’s tremors caused severe damage across the region, including a high-rise building collapse in Bangkok and widespread destruction in Myanmar and China. The quake and subsequent aftershock measuring 6.4 rocked the region, leaving people scrambling for safety in the streets. In Bangkok, many evacuated office buildings, while others sought refuge in nearby Lumphini Park. With buildings swaying and water cascading from rooftop pools, panic ensued in the city’s bustling business district.

The earthquake, which struck in the early afternoon, had its epicenter in Myanmar but was felt widely across Thailand, China, and Myanmar, causing major destruction. In Myanmar’s second-largest city, Mandalay, the earthquake brought down several buildings, including the historic Ma Soe Yane monastery. A dam burst in the city, flooding lowland areas and complicating rescue efforts. The death toll continues to rise, with hundreds of people feared trapped under rubble in the affected regions.

In Thailand, the earthquake led to the collapse of a multi-story building under construction in Bangkok. Emergency responders reported at least two confirmed deaths and over 90 people still missing. The collapse, accompanied by a massive plume of dust, added to the already tense atmosphere in the city. Many residents, including tourists like Paul Vincent from England, witnessed the devastation firsthand. “People were crying, and the panic was horrendous,” he shared.

Pope Offers Prayers for Victims

In a show of solidarity, Pope Francis, currently recovering from pneumonia, offered prayers for the victims of the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. The Vatican expressed his deep concern, and his thoughts were with the affected families during this tragic time. Meanwhile, emergency teams in Myanmar and Thailand continue to search for survivors while working to provide relief in the wake of the disaster.

State of Emergency Declared in Myanmar

The military-run government of Myanmar has declared a state of emergency in six regions, including the capital Naypyitaw and Mandalay, as the earthquake and subsequent aftershock left widespread destruction. Power lines were downed, and roads were severely damaged, complicating efforts to reach affected areas. Blood donations are urgently needed, especially in hospitals in Mandalay and Sagaing, which have been overwhelmed by the crisis.

The earthquake also affected parts of China, particularly in the provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan, where buildings were damaged, and people were injured. In the city of Ruili, located near the Myanmar border, debris covered the streets as people scrambled to safety. In response, Chinese authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage.

In Thailand, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra reassured citizens that all necessary measures would be taken to provide relief. She urged calm and warned the public to remain cautious, as the possibility of aftershocks remained a concern. Bangkok City Hall declared the city an area of disaster, and efforts to aid the affected were underway.