Surviving the Thailand Earthquake

Surviving the Thailand Earthquake: An Indian Resident’s Terrifying Experience

On March 28, 2025, a powerful earthquake rattled Thailand, sending shockwaves through the city of Bangkok and its surrounding areas. The tremors were so intense that buildings swayed, alarms blared, and residents scrambled to find safety. Among those who experienced this terrifying event firsthand was Mrinal Mishra, an Indian expatriate living in a high-rise apartment in Bangkok. His harrowing escape from the 21st floor sheds light on the panic and chaos that unfolded during those critical moments.

The Night of the Quake

Mrinal was fast asleep when the earthquake struck in the early hours of the morning. The violent shaking of his apartment jolted him awake, and within moments, he realized the severity of the situation. The entire building was trembling, and the creaking sounds of shifting structures heightened the fear.

Despite the panic, he knew he had to act fast. Without taking a moment to put on slippers or grab any belongings, he rushed to the emergency exit. Along with other residents, he started descending the 21 flights of stairs barefoot, his heart pounding with every step. The journey down seemed endless, and the fear of aftershocks loomed over them as they tried to evacuate as quickly as possible.

The Chaos Outside

Once outside, Mrinal and many others gathered in open spaces, afraid to return indoors. The streets were filled with people in their nightclothes, some holding onto their loved ones, while others frantically made phone calls to check on family and friends. The uncertainty of whether another tremor would strike kept the tension high. For hours, they remained in open areas, waiting for official updates on the situation.

A Reminder of Past Disasters

This earthquake brought back memories of past natural disasters that have impacted Thailand, including the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. That tragedy, which was triggered by a massive undersea earthquake, caused widespread destruction and loss of life. It also led to significant improvements in Thailand’s disaster preparedness strategies, including tsunami warning systems and evacuation drills.

Survivors of past disasters have since taken it upon themselves to educate people about emergency preparedness. One such person is Banlue Choosin, a former fisherman from Ban Nam Khem village, who now monitors the sea for unusual activity as a precautionary measure. Similarly, Nukul Kraisut, who experienced the 2004 tsunami as a child, now teaches disaster response skills to students, emphasizing the importance of emergency drills and awareness.

Lessons from the Experience

Mrinal’s recent ordeal in Bangkok serves as a crucial reminder of the unpredictability of earthquakes and the importance of being prepared. While natural disasters cannot always be prevented, having an emergency plan and staying informed can make a significant difference in survival.

Here are a few key takeaways from his experience:

1. Stay Calm but Act Fast – Panic can slow down response time. Quickly assessing the situation and following evacuation procedures is crucial.
2. Know Your Exit Routes – Being aware of emergency exits and staircases in a building can save precious minutes during an evacuation.
3. Keep Emergency Supplies Ready – A go-bag with essentials like water, snacks, a flashlight, and important documents can be lifesaving.
4. Stay in Open Areas After Evacuation – Aftershocks can be dangerous, so it’s best to remain in open spaces until authorities declare it safe.

Moving Forward

As Thailand continues to experience occasional seismic activity, stories like Mrinal’s highlight the need for continuous preparedness and education on disaster response. His escape from the 21st floor is a testament to quick thinking and resilience in the face of danger.

For those living in earthquake-prone regions, this serves as a wake-up call to always stay prepared. Natural disasters strike without warning, but the right knowledge and preparedness can mean the difference between chaos and survival.