On March 28, 2025, a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. The epicenter of the quake was near Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, where buildings and bridges collapsed, resulting in at least 144 confirmed deaths and 732 injuries according to Myanmar's military junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing.
The earthquake, which occurred around 3:20 PM Japan time, had an estimated depth of approximately 10 kilometers. Just ten minutes later, another tremor measuring 6.7 struck the same region, continuing the series of seismic activity. The tremors were felt strongly in neighboring Thailand, particularly in its capital, Bangkok, where operations at various automobile factories were temporarily halted.
Local sources reported that significant damage occurred in Mandalay, with parts of the royal palace and Mandalay University collapsing. A fire broke out at the university, trapping multiple students and staff members inside. The chaos at Mandalay International Airport, operated by a joint venture including Mitsubishi Corporation, saw employees and travelers rushing out of the building in panic following the tremors.
In Naypyidaw, the control tower at Naypyidaw International Airport reportedly collapsed, leading to a suspension of flight operations. Damage was also reported on the primary roads connecting Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar, to Mandalay, with fissures appearing on the highways.
In Bangkok, the tremors prompted mass evacuations from buildings in the city center. Tragically, a building under construction collapsed, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals, while at least 80 people remain unaccounted for. Thai Prime Minister Patoon Tan announced that the city’s rail services would cease for the day and that parks would be utilized as temporary evacuation sites.
In the aftermath of the quake, Toyota Motor temporarily suspended operations at its factory in Samut Prakan Province, while Honda and Nissan also halted activities at their respective factories in Ayutthaya and just outside Bangkok. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) suspended trading for the rest of the day as a precaution.
A resident of Mandalay recounted the destruction, stating, "The glass in my home and daily goods store broke, and many products were damaged. Telephone and internet access is difficult." At a hotel in Naypyidaw, tremors were felt for dozens of seconds, causing ceiling and wall materials to peel off and fall. In the lobby, part of a glass chandelier fell, scattering shards across the floor.
Following the initial quake, the Myanmar military junta reported three aftershocks of magnitude 3. In response to the disaster, six states and regions, including Mandalay and Naypyidaw, were designated to be under a state of emergency. This declaration comes in the wake of a military parade held just the night before to commemorate "Armed Forces Remembrance Day," a significant event for the military.
As the situation unfolds, the Japanese Embassy in Yangon has advised citizens in Myanmar to remain vigilant due to the risk of aftershocks. The military junta has expressed concerns that the death toll may rise as search and rescue efforts continue, particularly in regions like Sagaing where casualties have also been reported.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with humanitarian aid efforts likely to follow as the extent of the damage becomes clearer. The earthquake has not only inflicted physical destruction but has also raised questions about the preparedness of the region for such natural disasters.
As the people of Myanmar begin to assess the aftermath of this devastating quake, the resilience of the affected communities will be put to the test. Support from both local and international organizations will be crucial in the days and weeks to come as recovery efforts get underway.
In light of this tragedy, the world watches and waits, hoping for a swift response to aid those in need and prevent further loss of life.
