Bangkok: Efforts to locate victims of the State Audit Office building collapse continue unabated as authorities accelerate the opening of Zones B4 and C1. Mr. Ekwaranyu Amrapal, spokesman for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, reported on the progress of the earthquake relief operations, confirming that the total number of victims stands at 103, with 35 fatalities, nine injuries, and 59 individuals still under investigation.
According to Thai News Agency, today’s operations focused on the newly opened Zones B4 and C1, where the USAR team believes survivors may still be found due to detected light signals. Special precautions are being taken in Zone E to ensure the safety of both the rescue team and their machinery. Zone B4, located near the building’s stairs, is considered a critical area as the Israeli team previously detected vital signs nearby. Efforts to dig in this area have been hindered by large concrete slabs, prompting the focus on Zone E to ensure the safety of both the rescue team and any potential survivors. The deceased will be retrieved in a phased manner as machinery continues to operate at full capacity, with officers also tasked with monitoring dust levels and assessing damage for further search and recovery operations.
Public reports of building cracks received via Traffy Fondue have totaled 19,163 cases, with the majority deemed safe, while others are categorized under varying degrees of risk. Building owners have been contacted for further inspections, particularly concerning the use of cranes, with 201 projects under scrutiny.
In terms of public assistance, 613 households have registered for temporary accommodation via Airbnb, with additional provisions made for vulnerable groups. Shelters and waiting centers in the Chatuchak District have been established to accommodate those displaced by the disaster.
Compensation requests in accordance with Bangkok’s disaster relief regulations have reached 21,995, with the most affected districts being Chatuchak, Huai Khwang, and Bang Sue. Victims have until 27 April 2025 to file for assistance, with district offices across Bangkok facilitating the process. The district-level committee is responsible for assessing damages and coordinating financial aid requests through the Bangkok Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office.