In brief
Rescue teams are racing against time to find survivors buried under the debris of a collapsed construction site in Bangkok, following a devastating earthquake in Myanmar. As of Saturday, at least eight deaths have been confirmed, but many workers remain unaccounted for. Early signs of life raised hopes, yet the situation remains dire nearly 24 hours after the quake struck.
The scene at the collapsed high-rise was one of chaos and despair as rescuers, battling sweltering heat and massive rubble, searched for those trapped. The building, a 33-story structure under construction near Chatuchak Park, collapsed completely during the quake, which was felt widely across the region. Crews reported discovering signs that 15 individuals may be buried alive beneath as much as 10 feet of debris.Families gathered anxiously at the site, clinging to hope for their missing loved ones. Among them was Than Htike, who escaped the disaster but is still searching for his wife, trapped on the sixth floor of the building. Many of the workers, primarily migrants from Myanmar, had moved to Thailand seeking better opportunities, and their families are now holding their breath as rescue operations unfold.Witnesses recounted the frightening moments just before the building fell, recalling the terrifying sounds and sensations of the earthquake. Rescuers have deployed heavy machinery to clear away the debris, all while fighting heat and dust that compromised visibility. Despite the challenges, families and rescuers alike hope for miraculous outcomes in the aftermath of this tragic event.Muktita Suhartono reports on Thailand and Indonesia, and is based in Bangkok.