A major, 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 12:50 p.m. local time, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake, which occurred at a depth of about six miles, was centered approximately 10 miles northwest of Sagaing, a heavily populated area that includes Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. The tremor was felt as far away as Bangkok, Thailand, which lies about 650 miles to the west, where significant damage was also reported.
The USGS has estimated that the death toll from the earthquake could surpass 1,000, with the potential for even higher numbers as rescue efforts continue. This earthquake is particularly significant as only three quakes of magnitude 7.7 or greater have struck in or near Myanmar in the last century. The region's vulnerability to such disasters is compounded by ongoing humanitarian crises stemming from a bloody civil war that has gripped the country since 2021.
In Mandalay, the damage has been extensive. Eyewitness reports indicate that hospitals were overwhelmed with injured individuals, many being treated outside due to the damage sustained by medical facilities. Videos and images shared on social media depict scenes of chaos, with stretchers lined up on the ground as medical staff rushed to assist the wounded. Additionally, a bridge on the Irrawaddy River collapsed, further complicating rescue efforts.
In Bangkok, the situation was dire as well. A 33-story skyscraper under construction collapsed, resulting in the deaths of at least three people, and trapping dozens of workers, many of whom were migrants from Myanmar. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared Bangkok an “area of emergency,” urging residents to evacuate tall buildings to avoid potential aftershocks.
Following the initial quake, a strong 6.4-magnitude aftershock struck the same area approximately 11 minutes later, according to the USGS. These aftershocks are common following significant earthquakes and can pose additional risks to already damaged structures, potentially leading to further casualties.
As the situation continues to develop, the Myanmar junta's repeated internet shutdowns have hampered communication and rescue efforts, making it challenging to assess the full extent of the damage and casualties. Reports from the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent indicate that the destruction is widespread, with many areas still cut off from aid.
The earthquake has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation in Myanmar, where a civil war has displaced millions and left many without access to basic necessities. The international community is watching closely, with calls for aid and assistance to help those affected by the disaster.
This earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the region's geological instability and the urgent need for disaster preparedness in areas prone to seismic activity. As rescue teams mobilize and search for survivors, the hope is that aid can reach those in need quickly, providing relief to a nation already struggling with the effects of conflict.
In the aftermath of this disaster, both local and international organizations are gearing up to respond, but the challenge remains significant. The combination of structural collapse, widespread injury, and ongoing conflict complicates the response efforts. As communities begin to assess the damage and mourn their losses, the resilience of the people of Myanmar will be tested once again.
