On March 28, 2025, a devastating earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand, registering a magnitude of 7.7. The epicenter was near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, leading to significant destruction and loss of life.
As reported by Reuters, the military junta in Myanmar confirmed that at least 144 people have died, with another 732 injured. The situation is dire, as many are still trapped under collapsed buildings. In Naypyidaw, the capital of Myanmar, a hospital with over 1,000 beds was among the numerous structures damaged.
General Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of the junta, has warned that the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue. He has called on the international community for assistance, emphasizing the need for immediate support.
Reports indicate that the earthquake's tremors were felt not only in Myanmar but also in neighboring Thailand, Vietnam, and China. In Bangkok, a 30-story government building that was under construction collapsed, resulting in at least eight deaths, according to local authorities. Over 100 people are still unaccounted for, with search and rescue operations ongoing.
"The situation is very serious; we are focused on rescuing people trapped in collapsed buildings," a firefighter in the Mandalay region told Reuters.
In Bangkok, Alesia Rubanova, a resident who has lived there for over five years, described her experience during the quake. "At first, I thought I was dizzy. Then I saw the cornice moving, and the doors started shaking. I just grabbed my bag, put on some flip-flops, and ran downstairs," she recounted.
Despite the chaos, a local blogger named Roman assured that the situation in Bangkok remained stable, with no widespread panic among the residents. "There were signals about possible aftershocks, but they have not been felt. Everything is normal," he stated.
However, the fear of aftershocks has prompted the closure of airports across Thailand, leaving many tourists stranded, including those from the Krasnodar region of Russia. Anzhelika Pshikhozheva, a tourist currently in Phuket, expressed her concerns about her upcoming flight back to Moscow. "I'm trying not to panic, but I've already packed a bag with essentials," she said.
The tremors in Thailand originated from the earthquake in Myanmar, which has caused extensive damage. Reports indicate that two strong quakes destroyed a bridge across the river between the cities of Mandalay and Sikaing, further complicating rescue efforts.
In response to the crisis, the United Nations has mobilized its resources to provide aid. Tom Fletcher, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, confirmed the deployment of teams to assist in the affected areas. He noted that the UN is gathering data on the humanitarian needs arising from the disaster.
"Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this event. We are collecting data on affected people, infrastructure damage, and urgent humanitarian needs to direct response measures," Fletcher stated.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has reported that the earthquake has devastated communities across Myanmar. "We are receiving reports of hundreds of injured, displaced, and missing people," they said.
According to the US Geological Survey and USAID, the death toll could potentially rise into the thousands as rescue operations continue. The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, highlighted Myanmar's vulnerability in this crisis, stating, "Despite other countries affected by the earthquake, Myanmar is the weakest country in this situation."
In light of the disaster, a state of emergency has been declared in Bangkok. Dr. Alexei Zavyalov, head of the seismic hazard laboratory at the Institute of Physics of the Earth in Russia, explained the uniqueness of such earthquakes and the challenges in predicting them. He noted that earthquakes of this magnitude occur approximately 16-17 times a year globally.
"The waves from the earthquake have already passed throughout the planet and have been registered by all seismic stations. A repeated shock occurred just 12 minutes after the main quake," Zavyalov said.
He emphasized that predicting such earthquakes remains a significant challenge for scientists. "It is unlikely that we will have the capability to accurately forecast such events in the near future. Nature is so multifaceted that every earthquake is unique," he added.
As the situation continues to evolve, experts are closely monitoring the aftermath of the earthquakes in both Myanmar and Thailand. The international community is rallying to provide support and assistance to those affected by this tragic event.
The echoes of this powerful earthquake are not only felt in the regions directly impacted but also resonate across the globe, as communities come together to support one another in times of crisis.
