Earthquake strikes in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand
At 1.03am today, a 3.6 magnitude earthquake struck Fang district in northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai province, according to the Meteorological Department. No injuries, deaths or damages have been reported.
The earthquake’s epicentre in the Mae Kha subdistrict had a considerably shallow depth of 4 kilometres, causing people in the region to feel strong shaking. Strong shaking was reported in Mae Kha, Chai Prakan and Mae Ngon subdistricts and tremors were felt 100 kilometres south in Mueang Chiang Mai.
One person on the third floor of an apartment building in Chai Prakan said…
“I heard a loud sound, like someone starting a car, then the building shook.”
A resident in Mae Kha reported…
“I was lying on the floor, and I heard a loud vibrating sound. Then, I started shaking. I was really startled.”
A resident in Mae Ngon said…
“I heard a sound like roaring thunder. Then, the house violently shook. It was swinging. It was really scary and very strong.”
A resident of Chai Prakan said…
“The roof was shaking, but before that, there was a loud sound thundering sound.”
Another person in Mae Ngon reported…
“It was very strong. I was fast asleep and it woke me up suddenly. This earthquake was very scary and I have never felt shaking like this before.”
Northern Thailand lies on several fault lines, making earthquakes a frequent occurrence. Usually, earthquakes in the region are small and create little to no damage.
Although, northern Thailand does experiences stronger, more damaging earthquakes from time to time. In May 2014, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck in Mae Lao district in Chiang Mai, killing one person and injuring over 100 people.
