A 7.7 magnitude earthquake has hit Myanmar, with tremors felt in parts of Thailand, including Bangkok.
There were reports that airports in the Thai capital were evacuated immediately after the earthquake, and departures from Suvarnabhuami and Don Mueang airports appeared to have been suspended for a brief period. They have since resumed.
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has declared a state of emergency.
In a statement, Tourism Thailand said Airports of Thailand had inspected the infrastructure of all the city’s airports and confirmed its structural integrity.
Rail services between Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station and Rangsit may face delays due to structural inspections on elevated tracks, said Tourism Thailand. Safety checks are ongoing. The MRT Blue and Purple lines are temporarily suspended, along with the Skytrain.
A video posted on social media shows a skyscraper under construction in the Chatuchak area of Bangkok collapsing. One person is reported to have died and many workers were rescued from the rubble, according to local reports.
Another video showed water spilling over a high-rise building from a rooftop swimming pool in the city.
There are reports of many high-rise buildings in the Thai capital being evacuated.
In an update to its travel advice, the Foreign Office said: “There has been a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, with strong tremors reported across Thailand and some damage reported to buildings in Bangkok.
“There may be after-shocks. If you’re in the area or planning to travel there, follow the advice of the local authorities or your tour operator and monitor local media. If you’re in the area or planning to travel there, follow the advice of the local authorities or your tour operator and monitor local media.”
It warned that tremors had also been felt in nearby Laos.
The epicentre was 10 miles northwest of Sagaing in neighbouring Myanmar, at a depth of about seven miles. There are reports of roads buckling in Myanmar’s capital, and tremors were also felt in Yunnan in southwest China.
Mandalay Airport in Myanmar is closed, according to the Foreign Office. It confirmed the epicentre of the earthquake was in Sagaing region ‘near Mandalay City’, but added: “Other areas may be affected. Mandalay airport is reportedly closed. There may be several strong after-shocks. If you’re in the area or planning to travel there, follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local media.”
There are no confirmed reports, as yet, of any casualties.
