A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Sagaing, Myanmar, on March 28, 2025, causing widespread devastation and prompting urgent calls for assistance from the army-ruled government. The quake has resulted in significant casualties, with initial reports indicating at least 144 fatalities and 732 injuries, a toll that officials fear will rise as rescue efforts continue.
In the capital city of Naypyidaw, a 1,000-bed hospital has been identified as a likely "mass casualty area". The hospital sustained severe damage, with reports detailing that a car was crushed by the heavy concrete of the building's fallen entrance. As medical staff struggle to cope with the influx of injured patients, scenes outside the hospital depict a chaotic environment where victims are being treated on the streets, some hooked up to intravenous drips while loved ones offer comfort. One doctor, overwhelmed by the situation, remarked, "I haven't seen (something) like this before. We are trying to handle it but I'm so exhausted," highlighting the strain on medical personnel.
Reports from the news agency AFP confirmed that at least 20 deaths had already been recorded at the hospital, with doctors warning that the number could escalate rapidly into the hundreds as rescue operations unfold. The earthquake's impact has not been confined to Naypyidaw; it has also inflicted damage across other regions in Myanmar, including Mandalay, where residential buildings have collapsed, and an old bridge over the Irrawaddy River was destroyed. A monastery located near the border with Thailand also suffered destruction.
The tremors were felt far beyond Myanmar's borders, reaching as far as northern Thailand, where the Thai Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, declared a state of emergency in Bangkok. In the city, metro services were suspended due to safety concerns, with videos circulating on social media showing the metro shaking violently as passengers evacuated. "At the time of the earthquake, some people were on the MRT and luckily the swaying moment had already stopped at the station. So, everyone ran out quickly while the station floor was swinging," one eyewitness shared.
In addition to the chaos in Bangkok, a tragic incident occurred when an under-construction, 30-floor building in the Chatuchak district collapsed entirely, trapping 81 individuals under the rubble. Rescue efforts are underway, with Deputy Police Chief Worapat Sukthai reporting, "When I arrived to inspect the site, I heard people calling for help, saying help me. We estimate that hundreds of people are injured but we are still determining the number of casualties." As of now, three deaths have been confirmed from this incident.
Further complicating the situation, China's Yunnan province also reported strong tremors, with the China Earthquake Networks Center estimating the magnitude at 7.9. Mild tremors were felt in Kolkata, India, and parts of Bangladesh, including Dhaka and Chattogram, demonstrating the quake's extensive reach.
As rescue operations continue, the full extent of the damage remains unclear, and officials are bracing for potentially higher casualty figures. The situation in Myanmar is particularly dire, with the government appealing for international assistance to aid in recovery efforts. The aftermath of this earthquake highlights the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters and underscores the need for preparedness and resilience in the face of such calamities.
In the coming days, as search and rescue teams work tirelessly to locate survivors and provide aid, the focus will also shift to assessing the structural integrity of buildings across the affected areas. Many residents are left in shock, grappling with the loss of loved ones and the destruction of their homes. The images emerging from both Myanmar and Thailand paint a harrowing picture of the devastation wrought by this natural disaster.
As the world watches, the international community is urged to respond to the crisis, offering support and resources to help those affected rebuild their lives. This earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of our planet and the urgent need for effective disaster response strategies.
