14 DAY TRIAL // One person was killed and at least 25 were injured in a strong earthquake that hit North Thailand on Monday, reports say. The 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck the northern part of the country in the Chiang Rai province at about 6:08 pm local time.
The initial temblor lasted around 10 seconds, but was followed by several aftershocks which continued throughout the night. The secondary shockwaves were less violent than the main quake, but altogether caused serious damages to buildings and roads. In addition, several hospitals were forced to close.
According to International Business Times, the epicenter of the quake was in Tambon Saikhao in Phan district, seven kilometers (4.3 miles) underground – a relatively shallow depth which usually yields more severe damage. It was felt in the Thai capital, Bangkok, and Myanmar.
The seism resulted in smashed windows, cracked walls, and a number of damaged Buddhist temples. Moreover, an 83-year-old woman from the Mae Lao district in Chiang Rai, named Saeng Linkham, died when a wall collapsed on her.
“People living in three-story buildings got dizzy. We heard that in Mae Rin district there was a blackout, and hospitals don't have electricity,” said Jane Suchada, a resident of Chiang Mai, near the Chiang Rai province.
At the Chiang Rai airport, passengers were evacuated from the terminal after display signs and ceiling tiles fell on the ground. However, the airport General Manager Damrong Klongakara informed that the runway was not affected, so there were no flight disruptions.
The Huffington Post also reveals that an important temple in the city, Wat Rongkhun, was closed due to safety concerns after the quake. Chalermchai Kositpiphat, the artist who built the temple said that the spire of the building came off and roof tiles fell off.
“I still don't know how we can sleep tonight. ... It was shaking the whole time and then aftershocks followed four to five times. It was tumbling like the Earth was going to explode,” he said.
Apparently, the earthquake is one of the strongest ever recorded in the country. Thailand's Meteorological Department said the temblor was magnitude 6.3, but the U.S. Geological Survey measured it at 6.0.
The most recent seism approaching the magnitude of Monday's quake in the area was recorded in 2011. Then, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake shook Tachilek, a small town in Myanmar, leaving 76 dead and causing severe damage to 10,000 homes.