At least 15 people are believed to be alive under the rubble of a collapsed skyscraper in Bangkok, following a devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand.

Rescue workers have detected signs of life and communicated with some survivors trapped beneath the 10-storey-high debris. Efforts to free them continue as officials race against time.

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit on Friday afternoon, with its epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar. The disaster has claimed over 1,000 lives in Myanmar and injured more than 2,376 people. Tremors were felt as far as China and India.

In Bangkok, buildings swayed, and cracks appeared in over 2,000 structures. However, the most severe damage was at the unfinished headquarters of the auditor-general’s office, where the 30-storey tower collapsed.

Out of more than 400 workers present at the site, at least 96 remain missing. Eight deaths and eight injuries have been confirmed. Some of the missing are believed to be Burmese migrants working in Thailand’s construction sector.

Rescue efforts intensified through the night, with drones, sniffer dogs, and excavators brought in. Officials located at least 15 survivors between five to ten meters beneath the wreckage. However, ongoing collapses within the debris have made rescue operations risky, limiting the use of heavy machinery.

READ ALSO: Myanmar earthquake: Rescue efforts intensify amid destruction

Some survivors have managed to make noise or move, helping rescuers pinpoint their locations. “We want to save them as soon as possible,” an official urged. “Some signs of life we received last night have since gone silent. I want all Thais to pray for them.”

Meanwhile, families of the missing wait anxiously near the site, registering their loved ones with officials. Many are overcome with emotion.

“I just need to see him once, in whatever condition he’s in,” sobbed Naruemol, searching for her husband.

Siew, looking for two missing cousins, expressed doubt. “I think their chance of survival is slim… In my heart, I don’t know if they will survive.”

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnweerakul assured reporters that search efforts would continue without rest. “We will keep working until there is no one left inside… We always have hope.”

Investigations into why the building collapsed are underway, with authorities given a week to determine the cause.

Reported by BBC