On March 28, 2025, a devastating earthquake struck Southeast Asia, with its epicenter located near Mandalay, Myanmar. Measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, the quake had far-reaching effects, impacting neighboring countries including Thailand, Vietnam, and China. In Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, the disaster was marked by the catastrophic collapse of a skyscraper, which may have trapped construction workers beneath the rubble.
Just 12 minutes after the initial tremor, a second earthquake of 6.4 magnitude rattled the same region, compounding the chaos and fear among residents. As the dust settled, the Thai Prime Minister declared a state of emergency for Bangkok, while the emergency in Myanmar was extended to six regions, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Reports indicated that at least 43 construction workers were trapped under the debris of the collapsed building in Bangkok, prompting immediate rescue efforts. "Everything began to shake, and we ran outside to wait for it to stop," recounted Friso, a resident who experienced the quake firsthand. "Now there are still aftershocks, so you can't go into tall buildings." The atmosphere in the city was one of panic, with many residents unsure of the safety of their homes.
The local authorities in Bangkok have declared the city a disaster area, and the governor has been tasked with coordinating the emergency response. As rescue teams worked tirelessly to locate trapped individuals, the situation remained dire. The exact number of casualties and injuries was still unknown, with reports of people still on the streets seeking safety.
Friso, who has lived in Bangkok for over thirteen years, described the chaos unfolding around him. "I was in my office making calls to see if everyone was okay. Many elderly people are crying on the phone," he said, highlighting the emotional toll of the disaster. He noted that a building under construction, located just 12 kilometers away, had completely collapsed, adding to the devastation.
Witnesses reported significant structural damage across the city. A resident on the sixteenth floor of a building noted, "There are large cracks in the walls, and pieces of the ceiling are falling down." The local population was understandably shaken, with many expressing concern about the risks posed by older buildings in the area.
Cameraman Mike Versteegh, also in Bangkok during the quake, described the experience as surreal. "I just walked into my hotel room when I saw the lamps hitting the ceiling. My girlfriend said she felt dizzy, and I realized this was a serious earthquake. We quickly found ourselves outside with the whole hotel," he recounted. The local populace was in a state of panic, with many stating they had never experienced such a powerful tremor before.
As rescue operations continued, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that they were aware of the serious reports coming from the region and were investigating whether any Dutch citizens were affected. The situation remained fluid, with local authorities urging residents to stay informed through official channels.
Despite the chaos, flights to and from Bangkok were reportedly still operating, although significant damage had occurred at the airport in Naypyidaw, Myanmar's second-largest city, where the air traffic control tower collapsed.
In the wake of the earthquake, many residents were left contemplating their next steps. Friso expressed uncertainty about where he would spend the night, stating, "I might have to stay at the office. I need to see if we also need to accommodate others in the same situation who cannot return home." The community spirit was evident as residents rallied to support one another amid the uncertainty.
As the day unfolded, more information began to trickle in, but the chaos and confusion remained palpable. "It's a strange situation. Information is coming in slowly, and just a few hours ago, we couldn't even make phone calls. It has everyone on edge," Friso concluded.
The earthquake has not only caused physical destruction but also emotional distress among the residents of Bangkok and neighboring regions. As rescue efforts continue, the focus remains on finding survivors and assessing the full extent of the damage. The local government and emergency services are working around the clock to restore order and provide assistance to those affected.
With the situation still developing, residents are advised to follow the guidance of local authorities and stay updated on safety measures. The impact of this earthquake will be felt for a long time, and the recovery process is expected to be a significant challenge for the affected regions.
