Thailand Earthquake: Casualties Rise to 17; 32 Injured and 77 Missing
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On March 30, Thailand reported a rising death toll of 17 and 32 injured following a significant earthquake from Myanmar, with 77 individuals still missing. The State Audit Office building collapse has led to ongoing search and rescue operations.
Key Takeaways
- Death toll now at 17.
- 32 people injured.
- 77 individuals are missing.
- Significant aftershocks recorded: 166.
- Rescue operations continue in Chatuchak district.
Bangkok, March 30 (NationPress) On Sunday, Thailand confirmed that the death toll has now reached 17 along with 32 injured individuals, while 77 are still unaccounted for following a powerful earthquake that originated in neighboring Myanmar, sending significant tremors throughout Thailand.
A health official reported that at least 10 individuals lost their lives when the State Audit Office (SAO) building collapsed, with nine fatalities occurring on-site and one individual dying from injuries sustained at the hospital.
In addition, the Earthquake Observation Division of the country noted that as of Sunday, there have been 166 aftershocks recorded.
The division also identified a 5.3-magnitude earthquake occurring at a depth of 56 kilometers in northern Sumatra, which is located 401 kilometers southwest of Phuket, at 9:58 am on Sunday, Thailand time.
Reports indicate that the most significant damage was the collapse of the under-construction State Audit Office building.
Authorities believe that numerous workers remain trapped beneath the debris of the 30-storey structure.
“Search and rescue operations are ongoing at the collapsed headquarters in the Chatuchak district,” the official stated.
Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt mentioned that City Hall has received a building-scanning device from Israel to aid in the rescue efforts, expressing hope that some of those trapped may still be alive, as signs of life have been detected.
The earthquake has also caused disruptions to multiple subway and Skytrain services in Bangkok, resulting in severe traffic congestion.
