Myanmar Earthquake Causes Chaos In Thailand

On March 28, 2025, a devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, sending shockwaves that reached as far as Bangkok, Thailand, where a government building under construction tragically collapsed. The earthquake, recorded between 2:20 PM and 2:32 PM Hong Kong time, not only caused widespread destruction in Myanmar but also rattled buildings in Thailand, leading to a state of emergency in both nations.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located at 21.79 degrees North latitude and 96.05 degrees East longitude, with reports varying on the depth of the quake. The China Earthquake Networks Center indicated a depth of 30 kilometers, while the USGS and GEOFON initially reported a depth of only 10 kilometers, categorizing it as a shallow earthquake that typically results in more severe surface shaking.

In Myanmar, the aftermath was catastrophic. Initial reports indicated over 50 fatalities and approximately 300 injuries, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue efforts continued. The Myanmar military government declared a state of emergency in six regions, including Mandalay and Naypyidaw, and appealed for international humanitarian assistance, suggesting that the disaster's scale was far beyond initial assessments.

In Mandalay, a historic bridge known as the Ava Bridge, which connected Sagaing and Mandalay, reportedly collapsed, and numerous buildings, including a mosque, succumbed to the quake, leading to at least 20 deaths. Eyewitness accounts and videos circulating on social media depicted scenes of chaos as people fled from collapsing structures, with many homes and temples also reported down.

As the earthquake's tremors were felt in neighboring countries, residents in Bangkok experienced a rare phenomenon, as the usually earthquake-free city was rocked by the seismic waves. A 30-story office building of the Thai Audit Office, located near the bustling Chatuchak Market, collapsed during the quake, trapping many workers inside. Initial estimates suggested that about 407 workers were on-site when the building fell, resulting in at least three confirmed deaths, with reports of dozens more trapped under the rubble.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared a state of emergency in Bangkok, warning of potential aftershocks within the next two hours and urging residents to avoid high-risk buildings. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration also announced the city as a disaster area, coordinating rescue efforts and deploying emergency response teams to assess damage and assist those affected.

Despite being considered a city with low earthquake risk, Bangkok's infrastructure faced scrutiny following the disaster. Experts pointed out that approximately 2 million buildings in the city do not meet earthquake resistance standards, with over 1 million lacking any seismic resilience whatsoever. Although new regulations since 2007 require high-rise buildings to be constructed with some level of earthquake resistance, many older structures remain vulnerable.

In the wake of the earthquake, the Thai government has initiated a review of its earthquake preparedness policies, recognizing the urgent need to address the potential risks posed by seismic events. The incident has raised questions about Bangkok's construction practices, especially as the city is built on a thick alluvial layer that can amplify seismic waves.

Historically, Myanmar is situated on a complex geological fault line known as the Sagaing Fault, which is responsible for many of the region's earthquakes. This fault runs for approximately 1,200 kilometers and has a long history of seismic activity, including significant quakes in 1930 and 1946. The recent earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to such natural disasters.

As rescue operations continue in Myanmar, the government has called for blood donations and assistance for the injured, while neighboring countries, including India, have expressed readiness to provide aid. The extent of the damage and the full toll of the earthquake are still being assessed, but it is clear that the impacts will be felt for a long time.

In conclusion, the March 28 earthquake has not only caused immediate destruction but also highlighted a pressing need for improved disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience in both Myanmar and Thailand. As the region grapples with the aftermath, the focus will inevitably shift towards recovery and rebuilding efforts, ensuring that lessons are learned from this tragic event.