When a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, AP delivered what it does best: fast, comprehensive, all-formats coverage, with staff from across the globe joining in to report the story.
The Asia team reacted immediately—even as evacuations were still underway. Staff in Bangkok filed a news alert within minutes, followed by a series of urgent updates.
Bangkok and Myanmar newsgathering and production teams quickly gathered compelling images and details to inform the world. Many staffers stepped beyond their regular formats and roles to contribute.
AP moved its first video report less than 30 minutes after the quake occurred, followed shortly by another showing water pouring from the top of a high-rise building in Bangkok. Photos of residents fleeing buildings soon followed, along with a first-person account.
Despite widespread power and network disruptions, AP got word and visuals out of Myanmar by using messaging apps. Naypyitaw-based photographer Aung Shine Oo provided the first widely used images of quake damage, as well as video.
In Bangkok, AP set up a live shot for customers. As dramatic social media footage—such as dashcam video of a collapsing building—began to circulate, AP journalists worldwide verified the content and secured permission for distribution.
Judges praised the swift, coordinated, and thorough response, calling the coverage exemplary of AP’s mission to deliver timely and reliable news.
For demonstrating AP’s strength in breaking news and thorough coverage of a major event, AP’s news staff in Bangkok and Myanmar earns this week’s Best of AP — First Winner.
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