In a devastating turn of events, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The tremors were felt not only in Myanmar but also in neighboring countries, including China and Thailand. As the dust settles, the impact of this disaster is becoming painfully clear.
According to reports, at least 144 people have lost their lives in Myanmar, with more than 700 others injured. The earthquake's epicenter was located in the Sagaing region, and it was followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock just 12 minutes later, as confirmed by the US Geological Survey. The situation has been described as "terrible" by US President Donald Trump, who stated that his officials are in contact with Myanmar's military junta regarding potential assistance.
While the nature of the US aid remains unclear, the military junta has made a rare appeal for international assistance, declaring a state of emergency across six regions. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing emphasized the need for humanitarian aid, stating, "We want the international community to send humanitarian aid as soon as possible." This plea comes amidst a backdrop of limited access to the country since the military coup in 2021, which has severely restricted foreign aid and media coverage.
A rescuer in Mandalay, one of the hardest-hit cities, described the harrowing scene as he dug through rubble with his bare hands, trying to free those trapped beneath collapsed buildings. "People are screaming help me, help me. I feel so hopeless," he said, capturing the desperation of the situation. Another survivor, a teacher, recounted hearing the cries of mothers searching for their children still trapped inside a collapsed hotel, describing the earthquake as a "total disaster" and pleading for help.
Images shared on social media show the extent of the destruction in Mandalay, where parts of the historic royal palace have collapsed, and a 90-year-old bridge crumbled under the force of the quake. Sections of the main highway linking Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, to Mandalay were also torn apart, further complicating rescue efforts.
In Yangon, residents experienced intense shaking that lasted for about three to four minutes, with many rushing into the streets in panic. One anonymous resident described waking from a nap to find his building shaking violently, realizing that the tremors were felt across the country.
As the situation unfolds, Nay Pyi Taw General Hospital has been declared a "mass casualty area," where patients are being treated on gurneys outside due to the overwhelming number of casualties. The military junta's appeal for international help highlights the dire need for resources and support as local and international aid organizations struggle to access the affected areas.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported significant challenges in reaching impacted regions due to damaged roads and ongoing conflict, with communication blackouts further complicating rescue efforts. Federica Franco, the head of MSF's Myanmar mission, stated, "The situation is very complicated because there are significant communication blackouts in some of the hardest hit areas, and this is due to the ongoing conflict."
As families grapple with the loss and destruction, stories are emerging from those affected. A student from Myanmar at the University of Sheffield recounted a frantic call from her mother, who described buildings collapsing around her. "Moments later, my aunt walked in, crying; she had lost everything. It was a heart-breaking moment, made even worse when phone lines were cut off," she shared, highlighting the emotional toll of the disaster.
In another account, a BBC Burmese reporter in Bangkok felt the earthquake and frantically tried to reach friends and family in Myanmar, struggling to connect for an extended period. When he finally did, a resident in Mandalay informed him that several buildings had collapsed, and the city was in disarray. "The city is a complete mess and completely destroyed," the resident lamented.
Guilaume D'Agaro, an English teacher in Yangon, expressed his concern for his students, aged between three and 12 years, describing the earthquake as "very scary for the kids." He noted ongoing power cuts and internet interruptions, which have made it even more challenging to contact loved ones in Mandalay.
As rescue operations continue, the international community watches closely, hoping for a swift response to the unfolding humanitarian crisis. The need for aid is urgent, and the resilience of the Myanmar people is being tested once again in the face of overwhelming adversity.
In the days to come, the world will undoubtedly witness the full scale of the devastation and the heroism of those working tirelessly to save lives amidst the wreckage. As the rescue efforts progress, it is clear that Myanmar faces a long road to recovery.
