Bangkok Earthquake: 15 Workers Trapped, Rescue Race Against Time
Hope mixed with anxiety in Bangkok on Saturday as rescuers detected signs of life from 15 people trapped beneath the rubble of the collapsed State Audit Office building in the Chatuchak district. The under-construction skyscraper crumbled Friday afternoon following a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck neighboring Myanmar. The disaster has claimed eight lives, and the fate of 47 others remains uncertain, according to Suriyan Rawiwan, director of the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department.
The frantic search and rescue operation is a race against time. Crews are working tirelessly, deploying heavy machinery to clear debris and create pathways to reach the trapped individuals, believed to be clustered in groups of three to seven. “Rescue time is set at 72 hours, as fasting and dehydration are possible. Victims risk shock and death if rescue takes longer,” Mr. Rawiwan explained, emphasizing the department’s goal to complete the rescue within 48 hours. Reaching the survivors with essential supplies like water and food remains a challenge, as they are buried under approximately three meters of rubble.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who inspected the site Saturday morning, confirmed the use of crane trucks to lift heavy concrete segments and debris, clearing the way for rescue teams. The collapse of the 2.1-billion-baht building, which began construction in 2020 and had reached its highest floor, underscores the vulnerability of structures to seismic activity.
This incident echoes similar global tragedies, highlighting earthquakes' devastating impact on urban landscapes. The 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, for instance, led to numerous building collapses and widespread devastation. Similarly, the 2010 earthquake in Haiti resulted in catastrophic building failures and immense loss of life. These events underscore the critical need for robust building codes and disaster preparedness strategies, particularly in earthquake-prone regions.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is taking proactive steps to assess the structural integrity of other high-rise buildings in the capital. A team of 130 volunteer engineers has been dispatched to inspect approximately 200 buildings, particularly in Din Daeng and Huai Khwang districts. Two condominium buildings in Lat Phrao have been deemed unsafe and evacuated. The BMA also opened public parks to provide temporary shelter for those displaced by the tremors, with over 300 people seeking refuge Friday night.
The tragedy’s long-term consequences will likely include stricter building regulations and a renewed focus on earthquake preparedness. The economic impact of the collapse, including reconstruction costs and potential business disruptions, is yet to be fully assessed.
Key Takeaways:
- Rescuers have detected signs of life from 15 trapped individuals.
- The death toll currently stands at eight, with 47 people still missing.
- Heavy machinery is being deployed to clear debris and facilitate rescue efforts.
- The BMA is inspecting high-rise buildings across Bangkok for structural safety.
Can I still visit Bangkok?
While the earthquake’s impact was felt in Bangkok, life largely continues as normal outside the immediate area of the collapse. However, staying informed about potential aftershocks and following any safety guidelines issued by local authorities is important.
What is being done for displaced residents?
The BMA has opened public parks to provide temporary shelter and support for those affected by the earthquake.
This catastrophic building collapse serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of natural disasters and the crucial importance of stringent building codes and comprehensive disaster management plans. The ongoing rescue operation embodies collective hope for the survival of those still trapped, while the aftermath will undoubtedly prompt a thorough reassessment of building safety and disaster preparedness in Bangkok and beyond. For more information on the incident, refer to the Bangkok Post.
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