A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, registering a magnitude of 7.7, the strongest to hit the country in a century. The quake, which occurred at 12:50 local time (06:20 GMT), was centered 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing and at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Reports indicate that the tremor caused significant destruction, leading to at least 150 fatalities in Myanmar alone, with hundreds more injured.
The impact of the earthquake was felt across Southeast Asia, with neighboring Thailand also suffering casualties. In Bangkok, a skyscraper under construction collapsed, resulting in the deaths of at least three people and trapping dozens of workers inside. The Thai government has declared a state of emergency in the capital, where evacuations of residential buildings and offices have taken place, affecting thousands.
Initial reports from Myanmar suggested that the damage was extensive, with the military junta declaring a state of emergency in six regions due to the destruction. The junta's leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, acknowledged the dire situation, stating, "We expect more deaths and injuries," and requested international assistance. The extent of the devastation remains difficult to gauge fully, as the military government has imposed strict controls on information dissemination following the coup in 2021.
The earthquake's aftershocks further complicated rescue efforts, with a significant tremor of magnitude 6.4 occurring shortly after the initial quake. This secondary quake exacerbated the already chaotic situation, leading to more collapses and increasing the number of individuals trapped under debris.
In Thailand, the construction site of the collapsed building was reported to have around 320 workers present at the time of the disaster. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt confirmed that 83 people were trapped within the wreckage, and emergency services have been deployed to assist in the rescue operations. The local emergency medical institute reported at least 50 injuries from the collapse, with many victims requiring urgent medical care.
Images from the scene depicted a harrowing situation, with rescue teams sifting through rubble and debris, while emergency clinics have been set up to treat the injured. The Thai Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, emphasized the government's commitment to providing aid to those affected and coordinating rescue efforts.
As the situation unfolded, eyewitness accounts revealed the panic experienced during the quake. Many residents in Bangkok reported feeling the ground shake violently, prompting them to flee buildings in search of safety. One resident described the scene, saying, "I was shopping when I felt the tremors; it was instinctual to run outside to an open area."
In Myanmar, the destruction was particularly severe in Mandalay, the country's second-largest city, where numerous buildings collapsed, including residential structures and a monastery that trapped 20 children. Reports indicated that the Ava Bridge was also destroyed, further complicating transportation and rescue efforts in the region.
Humanitarian agencies are mobilizing to provide assistance to the affected populations, with calls for blood donations and medical supplies being made in response to the urgent needs of the injured. The military junta's unusual request for international aid highlights the scale of the disaster and the limitations faced by local authorities in managing the crisis.
In addition to the immediate impact on human life, the earthquake has raised concerns about the long-term effects on the infrastructure of Myanmar, a country already grappling with the consequences of political instability and civil conflict. The combination of rapid urban development and inadequate building standards has left many areas vulnerable to such natural disasters.
As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on locating and assisting those trapped in the rubble. With reports of additional aftershocks, authorities have warned residents to remain vigilant and prepared for further tremors.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with countries like the European Union, France, and India expressing their readiness to provide aid to both Myanmar and Thailand. The full extent of the damage and loss of life will likely take time to assess, but the immediate priority remains saving lives and providing support to those affected by this devastating earthquake.
