7.7-magnitude earthquake shakes Bangkok, buildings sway

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck on Friday, shaking the Thai capital and causing high-rise buildings to sway, while water spilled dramatically from rooftop pools onto the streets below.

The quake, believed to be relatively shallow at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), had its epicenter in neighboring Myanmar, but tremors were strongly felt across Bangkok and surrounding areas.

Residents in the greater Bangkok region, home to more than 17 million people, reported feeling prolonged shaking, with many evacuating buildings in panic. Social media footage showed water cascading from skyscraper pools, adding to the dramatic scenes in the city.

Authorities have yet to report major damage or casualties, but structural assessments are underway. Thailand is not typically prone to large earthquakes, though tremors from neighboring seismic zones occasionally affect the country. Experts warn that aftershocks could follow in the coming hours.