Bangkok, March 30, 2025 – The death toll from a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand on Friday has risen to 17 in Bangkok, with 12 fatalities linked to a single building collapse in the capital. The Bangkok Metropolitan Authority reported that a 30-storey tower under construction crumbled during the quake, leaving 32 injured and 83 still missing. Across the city, rescuers are racing against time, with at least 70 workers feared trapped beneath a four-story pile of concrete and steel rubble. Massive cranes and hundreds of personnel, including Thai rescue teams equipped with robotic mules, have been deployed to the site near JJ Mall Chatuchak.
Over 40 hours since the disaster, the scene remains grim. Two bodies were recovered on Saturday, but hopes persist for survivors as the operation continues. The quake, centered in Sagaing, Myanmar, has also disrupted humanitarian efforts in the neighboring country, with the UN reporting that damaged roads, bridges, and the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay expressway are hampering aid delivery. In Thailand, however, essential services and transportation have largely resumed, with the Thai Meteorological Department noting that aftershocks have not caused further significant damage.
Amid the chaos, stories of resilience have emerged. On Friday, doctors delivered a baby boy on a Bangkok street outside Police General Hospital after evacuating a patient mid-surgery during the tremors. Meanwhile, India has stepped up as a key responder, airlifting 137 tonnes of aid and deploying National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to Myanmar. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized India’s commitment to its “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family) ethos, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledging full support. Thailand has released emergency helplines—191 for general emergencies and 1155 for tourist police—to assist those affected, as authorities remain on high alert.
Key Points: Bangkok Earthquake and Building Collapse
- Rising Death Toll: As of March 30, 2025, the death toll in Bangkok from a 7.7 magnitude earthquake has reached 17, with 12 deaths tied to a 30-storey building collapse; 32 are injured, and 83 remain missing.
- Rescue Efforts: Over 40 hours after the quake, hundreds of rescuers and cranes, including robotic mules, are deployed at the collapse site near JJ Mall Chatuchak, where 70+ workers are trapped under rubble; two bodies were recovered Saturday.
- Earthquake Impact: The 7.7 magnitude quake, centered in Sagaing, Myanmar, struck Friday, causing widespread damage; in Myanmar, damaged infrastructure like the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay expressway is hindering UN humanitarian aid.
- Thai Response: Thailand’s essential services and transport have resumed, with aftershocks causing no further major damage; helplines (e.g., 191 for emergencies, 1155 for tourist police) are active for support.
- Humanitarian Aid: India has sent 137 tonnes of aid and NDRF teams to Myanmar, with PM Narendra Modi pledging full support under the “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” principle; teams arrived in Naypyitaw Saturday.
- Remarkable Resilience: Amid the disaster, Bangkok doctors delivered a baby on the street outside Police General Hospital during Friday’s evacuation, highlighting moments of hope.
