Western Washington natives in Thailand shaken by deadly quake, share survival stories

A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand, claiming over 150 lives and resulting in significant structural damage. Among those affected were Western Washington natives, including Christopher Paulette, a teacher at an international school in Bangkok, and Saviya Robinson, who was in Chiang Mai with her family. Paulette described the quake's shaking as a back-and-forth motion, contrasting it with his experience during the Nisqually quake in Washington. Meanwhile, Robinson experienced a rolling sensation that made her faint, highlighting the varying effects of the quake across different regions. Both individuals evacuated their locations, facing chaotic traffic as a result of the disaster.

Paulette reported no damage to his condo, although he witnessed a nearby high-rise collapse. Authorities in Bangkok advised residents not to worry about minor wall cracks, emphasizing the importance of communication post-quake. The article serves as a reminder of the need for family emergency plans during such unpredictable events.