A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck northwestern Myanmar on Friday, March 28, 2025, causing widespread panic and destruction across the region. The earthquake occurred at 12:50 PM local time (7:20 AM CET) at a depth of 10 kilometers, with its epicenter located approximately 17 kilometers from Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, which is home to around 1.2 million residents.
Initial reports from local authorities have confirmed at least 200 fatalities and over 730 injuries due to the quake, marking it as one of the strongest seismic events in the region in recent years. The earthquake's impact was felt far beyond Myanmar, reaching neighboring Thailand where buildings were also evacuated and damages were reported.
In Mandalay, parts of the historic Mandalay Palace suffered significant damage, while a bridge in Sagaing was completely destroyed. Eyewitnesses recounted harrowing experiences, with one local resident stating, "I was at home when the tremor struck, and I ran as far as I could from the building in my pajamas." In Yangon, the main city of Myanmar, buildings were evacuated as the tremors shook the city.
The earthquake's effects extended to Thailand, where a building under construction in Bangkok collapsed, trapping approximately 50 workers. Seven individuals managed to escape, while the remaining workers were left inside as rescue operations began. The Thai public broadcasting service, Thai PBS, reported that some metro and light rail services were suspended in Bangkok due to safety concerns.
Duangjai, a resident of Chiang Mai, shared her experience, saying, "I heard it and was sleeping at home. I ran as far away from the building as I could." Another local, a 76-year-old man named Sai, echoed her sentiments, stating, "This is the strongest tremor I've felt in my life." The Thai Meteorological Department has warned residents to prepare for possible aftershocks.
Myanmar, situated near a highly active tectonic zone, has experienced several earthquakes in the past. However, this latest quake is noted for its severity. In August 2016, a similar earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck the region, but the recent tremor has proven to be far more devastating.
As the situation unfolded, the Mexican Embassy in Singapore activated assistance protocols for nationals in the affected areas. They set up an emergency contact number, +65 9295 0722, urging Mexican citizens to reach out if they require support. The embassy also advised nationals to stay informed and follow local authorities’ instructions.
In Thailand, the Mexican embassy reassured citizens and established additional contact lines: 083 299 3390 for local calls and +66 83 299 3390 for international assistance. They emphasized the importance of remaining calm and adhering to official guidelines.
As the rescue efforts continue, the Mexican diplomatic representation is monitoring the situation closely. They confirmed that no Mexican nationals have been reported affected thus far, but they urged caution due to the potential for further seismic activity.
The earthquake has prompted state of emergency declarations in several provinces across Myanmar, as local authorities scramble to assess the damage and provide aid to those affected. Reports indicate that significant infrastructural damage has occurred, particularly in tourist areas of Thailand, where several buildings have collapsed.
In the aftermath of the quake, social media has been flooded with messages of support and calls for prayers for victims in both Myanmar and Thailand. Many are expressing their solidarity with those affected by this disaster, highlighting the human impact of such natural calamities.
Daniel Sancho, a Spanish national serving a life sentence in Thailand for murder, was reported to be safe in a prison located more than 600 kilometers from the quake's epicenter. His legal team confirmed that the earthquake had minimal impact on the Surat Thani prison where he is incarcerated.
The earthquake has raised concerns about the preparedness of both Myanmar and Thailand to handle such natural disasters. Experts note that the rapid urbanization and inadequate infrastructure in Myanmar make the nation particularly vulnerable to the impacts of earthquakes and other disasters. In light of this event, discussions about improving disaster response strategies are likely to gain traction.
As rescue operations continue, the full extent of the damage remains unclear. Authorities are working tirelessly to reach those in need, and many are hoping for a swift recovery from this catastrophic event. The earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to seismic activity and the importance of disaster preparedness.
