A 6.0 magnitude earthquake hits northern Thailand, causing significant damage

A strong and relatively shallow earthquake hit northern Thailand Monday evening. No casualties from the main shock were reported but significant damages were recorded in houses, the road network, temples, hospitals and schools. In Chiang Rai's airport part of the ceiling in a building collapsed and terminals were evacuated but there was no damage reported to the runway.   

According to the USGS report, the earthquake measured 6.0 in magnitude and occurred in a relatively shallow depth of 7.4km. Epicentral distance was defined 9km south of Mae Lo and 27km southwest of Chiang Rai. The shake was felt in Chiang Mai, located 160km southwest of Chiang Rai, while tall buildings in Bangkok, located 800km to the south, oscillated for several seconds. 

It is estimated that more than 3,500 houses, 10 temples, 3 schools and 3 hospitals were seriously affected by the event. Chiang Rai's airport was evacuated since pieces of the building's roof and ceiling collapsed. No damage was reported though in the runway. The famous Wat Rong Khun temple, also known as the White Temple, remains closed for public indefinitely, as it sustained heavy damage. Moreover, some of the temple's murals were damaged. According to the temple's designer Chalermchai Kositpipat part of it may have to be demolished, since structural damage is significant. 

Based on the National Disaster Warning Centre, since Tuesday, more than 100 aftershocks have been recorded in the area, ranging from 3.0 to 5.2 in magnitude. One person was killed and so far about 20 people have been reported injured. Thailand's Department of Mineral Resources stated that the five active geological fault lines in the northern part of Thailand are being closely monitored, as fears have been expressed that new shaking events will be generated. 

Photos showing the damage extent are provided in the photo-gallery below!