Bangkok: The Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has reported significant damage from a recent earthquake affecting 11 provinces. The disaster resulted in the collapse of a building in Bangkok, causing 9 injuries, 8 fatalities, and leaving 101 people unaccounted for. The DDPM’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team is actively assisting local rescue efforts to locate and aid the injured.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phasakorn Boonyalak, the Director-General of DDPM and Secretary of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command, identified the affected provinces as Samut Sakhon, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phrae, Mae Hong Son, Lampang, Chai Nat, Lamphun, Loei, Kamphaeng Phet, and Bangkok. Other areas are being surveyed for further damage reports.
In Bangkok, infrastructure damage includes cracked buildings and road subsidence, with a notable incident involving the collapse of the Office of the Auditor General’s under-construction building. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has deployed officials to assist those affected.
In response to the widespread destruction, the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command has escalated the situation to a level 3 disaster, which is classified as a large-scale disaster. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, has been appointed incident commander under the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Plan 2021-2027 to ensure effective management and coordination.
Provincial incident command centers will be upgraded to provincial forward incident command centers, with provincial governors acting under the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command’s direct authority.
Mr. Phasakorn Boonyalak has mobilized the USAR team to support BMA operations in rescuing individuals trapped in collapsed structures. Nearby disaster prevention centers have been instructed to prepare equipment and personnel for immediate deployment. The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Personnel Development Institute in Pathum Thani Province has been designated as the staging area for resources.
A follow-up meeting at 9:30 a.m., chaired by Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, will assess the situation’s progress and coordinate assistance efforts. The meeting will involve agencies supporting emergency operations to ensure rapid and comprehensive aid.
Those affected by the earthquake can report incidents and request help through the Line “DDPM Report 1784” by adding Line ID @1784DDPM or by calling the 24-hour hotline 1784 for urgent assistance.