A powerful 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, at 14:20 local time, sending tremors across neighboring regions and causing significant damage and casualties. The earthquake, with its epicenter located at latitude 21.85 degrees North and longitude 95.95 degrees East, was recorded at a depth of 30 kilometers, according to the China Earthquake Network Center.
The largest city in Myanmar, Yangon, experienced strong shaking, with reports of damage and injuries surfacing soon after the quake. In Yunnan Province, China, which borders Myanmar, residents in cities such as Xishuangbanna, Dehong, Kunming, Lijiang, Baoshan, and Dali also felt the tremors. The quake was felt as far away as Guizhou and Guangxi provinces.
Local authorities in Ruili City, Yunnan, reported that some buildings sustained damage, prompting evacuations. By 14:50, it was confirmed that injuries had occurred, and emergency rescue teams were mobilized to assist those affected. The Yunnan Provincial Seismological Bureau activated its emergency response protocol immediately following the earthquake, conducting urgent consultations and reporting the situation to the national earthquake administration.
This earthquake marks the 17th seismic event of magnitude 6 or above globally this year, and it is the largest quake recorded thus far. The Ministry of Natural Resources in China indicated that while the earthquake might trigger local tsunamis near the epicenter, it would not pose a threat to the Chinese coastline due to its location outside the Pacific Ocean.
In addition to Myanmar, the tremors were felt throughout Thailand, where Bangkok declared a state of emergency. Reports indicate that the shaking lasted several minutes, leading residents to evacuate high-rise buildings and gather in the streets. Eyewitnesses described significant shaking in the central business district, with some buildings swaying alarmingly.
As the dust settled, the devastation became clearer. Initial reports indicated that the earthquake had resulted in over 50 fatalities and approximately 300 injuries across Myanmar. The Myanmar government is currently coordinating rescue efforts and has called upon citizens to donate blood to aid the injured. Most casualties were reported in Mandalay and Naypyidaw, with rescue operations underway to locate survivors.
In Mandalay, which is located about 100 kilometers from the earthquake's epicenter, several buildings collapsed, including a mosque that tragically claimed at least 20 lives. The infrastructure damage extended to schools and office buildings in Naypyidaw, where some structures also collapsed. Videos circulating on social media depicted the aftermath of the quake, showing a cross-river bridge in Sagaing Province that had collapsed, and chaos as residents fled from damaged buildings.
At Mandalay Airport, passengers were forced to evacuate as the ceiling in the terminal fell, prompting many to seek refuge on the tarmac. Due to safety concerns, all flights were canceled as airport staff advised travelers to stay clear of the terminal.
The earthquake's impact was not confined to Myanmar. In Laos, Vientiane experienced noticeable tremors, particularly in buildings above three stories, with residents reporting severe shaking. Similarly, in Bangkok, buildings swayed, and a construction site experienced a catastrophic collapse, resulting in at least three deaths. Witnesses described scenes of panic as workers fled the site, which was engulfed in dust and debris.
In response to the widespread destruction, the Myanmar government is actively engaged in rescue and recovery efforts, urging citizens to assist in any way possible. The situation remains fluid, with officials continuing to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of this devastating earthquake, the focus now shifts to recovery and rebuilding. The international community is likely to respond, offering aid and support to those affected by this natural disaster.
The earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to seismic activity, prompting discussions about preparedness and response strategies moving forward. With the potential for aftershocks, residents are advised to remain vigilant as authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
