BANGKOK, April 12: A total of 468 aftershocks have been recorded in Myanmar and surrounding areas as of Saturday, following the powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the nation on March 28.
According to the Thai Meteorological Department’s Earthquake Observation Division, the aftershocks have been categorized as follows: 184 tremors registered between 1.0 and 2.9 magnitude, 198 between 3.0 and 3.9, 73 between 4.0 and 4.9, and 13 between 5.0 and 5.9.
In neighbouring Thailand, a total of 21 mild aftershocks have also been reported, mostly in Mae Hong Son province, ranging in magnitude from 1.0 to 5.9. The most recent aftershock in Myanmar occurred early Saturday morning but did not affect Thailand, media reports said.
Meanwhile, the earthquake has led to widespread devastation in Myanmar. The country’s State Administration Council Information Team reported that 3,689 people have lost their lives, 5,020 have been injured, and 139 remain unaccounted for as of Friday.
Thailand has also suffered losses. The death toll in the country has reached 27, with 9 others injured and 67 still missing. One of the most tragic incidents occurred at the construction site of a 30-story State Audit Office building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, which collapsed within seconds during the quake. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration confirmed the site had 103 victims.
Following the tragedy, the Thai government has launched a full-scale investigation into the building’s collapse. Authorities are focusing on the Chinese contractor, China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group, responsible for the project.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has directed agencies to inspect all construction projects linked to the company. “All concerned agencies were instructed to delve deeper to find out how many other projects the company is undertaking. All buildings in Bangkok must meet legal standards. Safety must be the top priority,” she said.
PM Shinawatra further stated that the collapsed building has not only resulted in the loss of lives but also harmed Thailand’s international image.
