Devastating Earthquake Strikes Myanmar Killing Over 150

A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, at approximately 12:50 PM local time, registering a magnitude of 7.7 on the Richter scale. The quake's epicenter was located near Mandalay, a city known for its historical significance and cultural landmarks, at a depth of about 10 kilometers. This seismic event sent shockwaves across the region, affecting not only Myanmar but also neighboring countries, including Thailand, India, China, Laos, and Bangladesh.

The tremors were felt as far away as Bangkok, where residents reported significant swaying in buildings. The NHK Asia Bureau, situated on the 17th floor of a high-rise in Bangkok, noted that the vibrations lasted over a minute, causing water to spill from a nearby rooftop pool. Many individuals evacuated buildings, concerned about potential aftershocks.

In Myanmar, the earthquake resulted in catastrophic damage. Reports indicate that over 150 people have lost their lives, with more than 700 others injured. The city of Mandalay, being the second-largest in Myanmar and closest to the earthquake's epicenter, experienced the most severe destruction. Buildings collapsed, roads cracked, and infrastructure was severely impacted. MRTV, the state television network, confirmed at least 144 fatalities and hundreds more injured. Many of the casualties occurred in central Myanmar, particularly in the Sagaing region.

After the initial quake, a series of aftershocks followed, the strongest measuring 6.4 in magnitude. These aftershocks continued to rattle the region, with reports of at least 14 significant tremors occurring in the days following the main earthquake. Residents in Mandalay were particularly unsettled, as they experienced ongoing minor tremors that kept them awake at night.

Eyewitness accounts from those in Mandalay described harrowing scenes. A local resident recounted, "We all ran out of our homes as everything began to shake. I saw a five-story building collapse right before our eyes. Everyone was out on the streets, afraid to return inside." This sentiment was echoed by many who lived in the affected areas, illustrating the widespread panic and urgency as people sought safety.

The Myanmar government has declared a state of emergency in six regions, including Sagaing and Mandalay, and mobilized rescue efforts. Emergency response teams are working tirelessly to locate survivors trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings, including a five-story structure that caved in during the quake. Rescue operations have been complicated by the ongoing aftershocks, which pose additional risks to both rescuers and survivors.

In Thailand, the earthquake also prompted significant concern. The Thai government reported that ten people were injured due to falling debris, primarily from a building under construction in Bangkok that collapsed during the tremors. Officials in Thailand have declared the capital a disaster area, urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared for possible aftershocks.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand addressed the nation, stating that the government is doing everything possible to ensure the safety of its citizens. He confirmed that the Ministry of Interior had been instructed to treat the situation as an emergency, with plans for immediate assistance to those affected.

As the rescue efforts continue, the international community has begun to respond. The United Nations has expressed its readiness to assist, with Secretary-General António Guterres calling for humanitarian aid to be mobilized swiftly. Chinese disaster response teams have already arrived in Myanmar, equipped with emergency supplies and rescue equipment, as part of a collaborative effort to aid those impacted by the disaster.

The earthquake has raised questions about building safety standards in both Myanmar and Thailand. In Bangkok, officials are investigating the reasons behind the collapse of the construction site and have assured the public that existing structures meet safety standards. However, the incident has sparked a renewed discussion on the adequacy of regulations governing high-rise buildings, particularly in earthquake-prone areas.

Social media platforms have been flooded with footage of the earthquake's immediate aftermath, showing people fleeing in panic and buildings swaying dangerously. Many have expressed their fears and concerns, with some recalling traditional sayings about earthquakes and their implications. One user shared, "The old saying goes, 'In the cold months of April and May, the earth will turn.' I never thought I would witness such devastation in my lifetime."

Looking ahead, experts warn that the region may experience further seismic activity in the coming weeks. The U.S. Geological Survey has indicated that the aftershocks could persist, potentially complicating recovery efforts. The public has been advised to stay alert and prepared for additional tremors.

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing assessments of damage and casualties. As rescue teams work to reach those trapped and provide aid to affected communities, the full extent of the disaster is still being determined. The human toll of this earthquake is a stark reminder of nature's unpredictability and the need for robust disaster preparedness and response systems.