A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, causing widespread devastation and prompting a national emergency declaration. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.7, with a focal depth of 10 kilometers and its epicenter located approximately 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing City, near Mandalay, and about 100 kilometers from the capital, Naypyidaw.
According to reports, strong tremors were felt not only in Myanmar but also across northern Thailand and parts of southwestern China, including Yunnan Province. Residents in these areas reported significant shaking, with some even evacuating buildings as a precaution.
Eyewitness accounts from Mandalay revealed the extent of the destruction. One resident described a scene of chaos: "Everything started shaking, and we all ran out of the house. I saw a five-story building collapse with my own eyes. Everyone in my town ran into the street, and no one dared to return to the building," he said. Another local, Htet Naing Oo, mentioned that a tea shop collapsed with several people trapped inside, adding, "We can't get in; the situation is very bad." Reports of severe damage also came from Naypyidaw, where roads were deformed and ceilings in buildings fell due to the quake's force.
As the situation unfolded, the Myanmar government confirmed that over 50 people had died and more than 300 were injured, with most casualties reported in Mandalay and Naypyidaw. In light of the disaster, the government urged the public to donate blood and assist those injured. The State Administration Council announced that areas affected by the quake, including Sagaing Province, Mandalay Province, and the northeastern region of Shan State, had declared states of emergency.
In Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, panic ensued as residents rushed out of high-rise buildings. Eyewitnesses described the tremors as very strong, with water splashing out of swimming pools. Reports indicated that a 30-story unfinished building in the Chatuchak district collapsed, trapping at least 43 construction workers under the rubble. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited the site and declared a state of emergency in the country.
Dr. Richard Luckett, a seismologist at the British Geological Survey, expressed concern over the potential scale of the disaster in Myanmar. "The earthquake itself is only 16 kilometers away from a city of 1.2 million people. We believe that there are probably more than 200,000 people in the area with the most severe tremors. I am afraid we have to expect a large number of casualties," he warned.
Images from the region showed significant destruction, with buildings collapsed and debris littering the streets of Mandalay. The International Committee of the Red Cross reported that local power and communication lines were disrupted. During the earthquake, passengers at the airport were seen prostrating on the ground in fear.
The Myanmar military government, which has faced international isolation since a coup in 2021, made a rare appeal for international assistance following the earthquake. Military spokesperson Zaw Min Tun publicly requested humanitarian aid, stating, "We hope the international community will provide humanitarian assistance as soon as possible." This appeal underscores the dire situation as the government struggles to manage the crisis amidst existing challenges.
In response to the earthquake, the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar activated its emergency mechanism and began closely monitoring the situation of Chinese nationals in the country. They issued safety tips, advising citizens to strengthen personal safety precautions, stay informed about earthquake trends, and follow local evacuation instructions.
The earthquake is not an isolated incident for Myanmar, as the region is known for its seismic activity. Historical data from the USGS indicates that between 1930 and 1956, six significant earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or higher occurred along the Sagaing Fault, which runs through central Myanmar. In 2016, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Bagan, resulting in three deaths and the collapse of several temples.
As rescue efforts continue, the Myanmar government is conducting damage assessments and coordinating emergency responses in the affected areas. Local authorities are working to provide necessary disaster relief and humanitarian aid to those impacted by the earthquake.
In the aftermath of this devastating earthquake, the focus remains on recovery and support for the victims, as communities come together to aid each other in this time of crisis. The full extent of the damage and the number of casualties may take time to assess fully, but the resilience of the affected communities is evident as they begin to navigate the challenges ahead.
