Bangkok: The Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has emphasized the need for all agencies to work collectively in providing necessary assistance to those affected by the recent earthquake. The earthquake, centered in Myanmar with a magnitude of 8.2 and a depth of 10 kilometers, resulted in significant tremors felt across 57 provinces in Thailand, including Bangkok.According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phasakorn Boonyalak, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and Secretary of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command, provided a comprehensive update on the situation, highlighting the widespread impact of the earthquake. The tremors led to 56 aftershocks ranging from magnitudes 2.8 to 7.1, causing damage in 13 provinces and Bangkok. The disaster resulted in 9 deaths, 9 injuries, and 101 missing persons. Emergency disaster relief zones have been declared in Pathum Thani and Phrae provinces, as well as a full disaster area in Ba ngkok.Significant damage has been reported in several provinces. In Chiang Mai, structures such as condominiums, hospitals, and schools experienced damage, while Chiang Rai saw minor structural damage at various sites, including hospitals and temples. Lamphun and Lampang provinces reported damage to houses, hospitals, and religious sites. In Mae Hong Son, cracks appeared in the new provincial hall building and hospital structures, while Phrae and Phetchabun faced damages to residential and agricultural buildings, respectively.In Bangkok, a building under construction collapsed, resulting in multiple casualties and missing persons. Other provinces, including Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan, reported structural damage but no casualties.Efforts to provide assistance are underway, with various agencies, including military, police, and local organizations, actively involved. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has mobilized a 48-person urban search and rescue team equipped with vital signs detec tion tools to support operations in affected areas. Additionally, communication initiatives have been implemented by the NBTC and mobile service providers to inform the public about safety measures.Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Minister of Interior, has instructed the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to prepare personnel and disaster machinery from regional centers to support ongoing operations. A significant number of disaster machinery items have been deployed to aid in the search for victims and provide relief to affected areas.Mr. Phasakorn emphasized the importance of provincial and Bangkok Forward Command Centers in monitoring the situation and delivering timely assistance. The department remains committed to coordinating efforts and providing necessary support. The public is encouraged to stay informed through official communication channels and report incidents via designated hotlines for prompt assistance.
