An effective 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck main Myanmar on Friday (28 March), with tremblings reaching as far as Thailand’s capital Bangkok, triggering skyscrapers to collapse and filling streets with debris, leaving the loss of countless lives in its wake.
The death toll after the devastating earthquake has actually increased to over 2,700, with thousands more hurt and numerous others still missing out on. Collapsed structures now line the streets with particles in the city of Mandalay, with structures damaged and palaces harmed in Myanmar.
Help groups showing up in the worst-hit locations in Myanmar stated there is an immediate requirement for food, shelter and water, with the UN stating the earthquake has actually intensified an “currently alarming crisis” with the nation involved in civil war.
In Bangkok, casualties were verified at 3 building websites amidst the quake, consisting of the collapse of a skyscraper under building near Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market. Thailand’s death toll has actually reached around 20, while over 70 individuals stay missing and are feared to still be caught below the particles of the high-rise. Rescue efforts are continuous.
Somewhere else, witnesses in Bangkok stated individuals went out onto the streets amidst recently’s earthquake, a number of them hotel visitors in bathrobes and swimming outfits as water put from a raised swimming pool at a high-end hotel. Homeowners in Chiang Mai likewise reported hearing the quake.
The Thai Department of Catastrophe Avoidance stated the quake was felt in nearly all parts of the nation.
Cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai draw in big varieties of travelers every year to its awesome landscapes, cultural landmarks and high-end hotels, while its coast and islands are frequently promoted as home to a few of the most lovely beaches worldwide.
Here is what to learn about the current earthquake, its effects and the most recent travel recommendations.
Where has the earthquake struck?
.png)
The earthquake struck at a depth of 10km, about 17.2 km from Myanmar’s second-largest city of Mandalay, according to the United States Geological Study (USGS).
The midday temblor was followed by a strong 6.4 magnitude aftershock, and individuals in Bangkok left from their structures were warned to remain outdoors in case there were more.
Will my flight be cancelled? Thailand’s significant airports are functional, incoming and outgoing flights have actually mainly not been interrupted.
Thailand’s airport group, Airports of Thailand (AOT) stated on Friday, 28 March: “AOT has actually finished evaluations of 6 airports, verifying that the structural stability of their structures and air travel facilities satisfies security requirements.
” All airports have actually resumed regular operations since 2.30 pm.”.
The 6 airports consist of Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang Airport, Chiang Mai Airport, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai Airport, Phuket Airport and Hat Yai Airport.
Over in Myanmar, the UK’s Foreign Workplace stated: “Mandalay and Naypyitaw airports are considerably harmed without any indicator of when they might resume.”.
Is other transportation affected?After short-lived closure, services on the BTS Skytrain in Bangkok and long-distance paths resumed by the night of 28 March.
Thailand’s Mass Quick Transit Authority has likewise stated its lines have actually mainly resumed regular operations, while roadway travel in Bangkok is now running as normal.
What is the UK federal government travel advice?ThailandThe UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Advancement Workplace (FCDO) has actually upgraded its travel recommendations for Thailand after the earthquake.
The FCDO stated that there has actually been a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, with strong tremblings reported throughout Thailand and some damage reported to structures in Bangkok.
” There might be aftershocks. If you remain in the location or preparing to take a trip there, follow the recommendations of the regional authorities or your trip operator and screen regional media,” its recommendations states.
It has actually likewise directed tourists to the United States Federal Emergency Situation Management Firm, which has recommendations about what to do previously, throughout and after an earthquake.
If you remain in Thailand and require immediate assistance, call the British Embassy in Bangkok on +66 23058333 or call the following emergency situation hotlines supplied by the regional authorities:.
General Emergency Situation: 191 Traveler Authorities Hotline: 1155 Fire and Rescue Department: 199 MyanmarThe FCDO has actually likewise provided brand-new recommendations for tourists in Myanmar, specifying that the epicentre remains in the Sagaing area near Mandalay City, impacting big parts of the nation.
” Mandalay and Naypyitaw airports are considerably harmed without any indicator of when they might resume,” the Foreign Workplace states. “There might be a number of strong aftershocks.”.
” The military program revealed a State of Emergency situation in 6 states and areas: Naypyitaw, Sagaing Area, Mandalay Area, Magway Area, northeast Shan State and Bago Area, in addition to the across the country State of Emergency situation in location because the coup of 1 February 2021. We encourage versus taking a trip to all impacted locations at present.”.
” If you remain in the location, follow the recommendations of the regional authorities and keep an eye on regional media.”.
The FCDO is providing assistance to British nationals in both Myanmar and Thailand following the earthquake.
British nationals in Myanmar who need consular support can call British Embassy Yangon on +95 (01) 370 863/4/ 5/7.
British Nationals who need consular support in Thailand can call British Embassy Bangkok on +66 (0) 2 305 8333.
Anybody in the UK worried about a British nationwide in Myanmar or Thailand can call the FCDO on +44 (0 )20 7008 5000.
Can I cancel my vacation or flight and get a refund? The conditions for cancelling your journey will depend on your vacation service provider, so it’s finest to call them if you’re aiming to hold off.
In regards to travel insurance coverage, some policies consist of natural catastrophe cover for an occasion that avoids you from reaching your vacation location. Examine your insurance coverage and speak with your insurance provider to see where you stand.
For those preparing a journey to the Thai capital, the Foreign Workplace has actually not cautioned versus non-essential travel to Bangkok, there will be no unique scenarios in location to be able to cancel a journey for a complete refund.
There is no responsibility for business to reimburse reservations if you wish to cancel, and you will not have the ability to declare travel insurance coverage due to security issues unless the Foreign Workplace recommendations modifications.
For more travel news and recommendations, listen to Simon Calder’s podcast