A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, sending tremors that reached as far as Bangkok, Thailand. The quake, which occurred around 1:30 PM local time, prompted both Myanmar and Thailand to declare a state of emergency as authorities scrambled to assess the damage and coordinate rescue efforts.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake had a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and was centered approximately 17 kilometers from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. The tremor was followed by a significant aftershock measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale, further complicating rescue operations.
In Myanmar, reports indicated that at least three people were killed when a mosque collapsed in the Bago region. Eyewitnesses recounted the chaos, with one individual stating, "We were saying prayers when the shaking started... Three died on the spot." Additionally, a 90-year-old bridge in the Sagaing region was reported to have collapsed, and historic buildings, including parts of the former royal palace in Mandalay, suffered damage.
As details of the casualties slowly emerged, the military junta that governs Myanmar announced a state of emergency in six regions, including Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, Bago, Eastern Shan State, and Naypyidaw. The junta's statement emphasized that officials would investigate the damages and begin coordinating rescues in affected areas.
In neighboring Thailand, the earthquake caused a high-rise building under construction to collapse near Bangkok's Chatuchak Market. Initial reports indicated that at least two people were killed and dozens more were trapped under the rubble. Emergency responders managed to rescue seven individuals from the debris, but the situation remains dire as search efforts continue.
Fraser Morton, a Scottish tourist who was in a shopping mall in Bangkok at the time of the quake, described the scene: "All of a sudden the whole building began to move, immediately there was screaming and a lot of panic." Witnesses reported that people rushed out of buildings in panic, with many hotel guests fleeing in bathrobes and swimming costumes as water cascaded down from an elevated pool.
Bangkok's city hall subsequently declared the area a disaster zone, with the governor placed in charge of coordinating the disaster response. The tremors caused alarm across the city, leading to mass evacuations from high-rise condominiums and hotels.
As the quake's impact began to unfold, social media platforms were flooded with dramatic footage showing the destruction. Videos shared online depicted buildings crumbling into clouds of dust, while emergency services worked tirelessly to reach those trapped.
In Myanmar, the military junta's proclamation stated: "The state will make inquiries on the situation quickly and conduct rescue operations along with providing humanitarian aid." However, the ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar poses significant challenges for emergency responders, as many areas remain difficult to access.
The earthquake's epicenter, located in a region that is generally sparsely populated, did not lead to widespread destruction of residential structures, which are predominantly low-rise. However, the impact on infrastructure was significant, with highways connecting major cities experiencing damage.
As authorities continue to assess the situation, the international community is watching closely. The humanitarian implications of the earthquake are particularly concerning, given Myanmar's ongoing struggles with civil unrest and limited resources for disaster response.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, experts are emphasizing the need for effective disaster preparedness and response strategies in both Myanmar and Thailand. The scale of the disaster highlights vulnerabilities in urban planning and construction practices, particularly in earthquake-prone regions.
While the immediate focus remains on rescue and recovery efforts, discussions are likely to emerge regarding the long-term implications of such natural disasters in a region already grappling with political and social challenges. As more information becomes available, the full extent of the earthquake's impact will continue to unfold.
For now, the people of Myanmar and Thailand are left to navigate the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that has left a deep mark on both countries. With rescue efforts underway and communities coming together to support one another, the resilience of those affected will be tested in the coming days.
