Powerful earthquake strikes Thailand

The strongest earthquake in recent years has struck Southeast Asia. The epicentre of the 7.9-magnitude tremors was recorded in Myanmar. 

Twelve minutes later, seismologists in China registered a second, almost equally powerful tremor. The consequences were devastating: bridges were destroyed, and residential and administrative buildings were damaged.

Thailand: skyscrapers swayed like pendulums

The force of nature reached Thailand as well. Tremors of up to 7.7 on the Richter scale were recorded in several areas. An emergency evacuation from high-rise buildings began in the capital, Bangkok. Witnesses described how skyscrapers literally "swayed", with water splashing out of rooftop pools.

According to eyewitnesses, one of the residential high-rise buildings collapsed like a house of cards. No reports of casualties in the capital have been received so far, but authorities do not rule out the possibility of further tremors.

The force of nature was felt thousands of kilometres away

Seismic waves spread over a vast area. Residents of India, Bangladesh, Laos and China felt the tremors. People fled their homes in panic, and mobile networks temporarily ceased to function.

Missing persons and destroyed infrastructure

Preliminary data indicates that dozens of people are missing in Myanmar and Thailand. People may be trapped under the rubble. Rescue operations are underway, and authorities have mobilised the army and special services.