On March 28, 2025, Myanmar experienced a devastating earthquake, registering as the second strongest in its history, with the epicenter located near Mandalay. This catastrophic event has left a staggering death toll of at least 2,719 people, with over 4,500 injured and 441 still missing, according to the State Administration Council of Myanmar. The earthquake, which struck 113 years after the last major quake in 1912, is estimated to have caused significant economic damage, potentially amounting to 70% of Myanmar's GDP, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that the earthquake has affected over 10,000 buildings, leading to widespread destruction. Many regions are currently without electricity and communication services, complicating rescue efforts. Reports from UNICEF highlight an urgent need for assistance, with the situation worsening by the hour. Julia Rees, a UNICEF representative in Myanmar, stated, "The need for help is immense and increasing every hour." As rescue teams continue to search through the rubble, they have managed to save 403 individuals in Mandalay, but the grim reality of the situation is underscored by the discovery of 259 bodies.
In a particularly tragic incident, 50 monks who were taking religious exams in a temple were killed when the building collapsed, with another 150 monks believed to be trapped under the debris. The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by the fact that over 3 million people in Myanmar were already displaced due to ongoing conflicts, and nearly 20 million are in need of urgent assistance. The UN's humanitarian focus is on addressing the most vulnerable populations, especially considering that many lack basic medical care and vaccinations.
As the international community mobilizes to provide aid, several countries have pledged billions of dollars to assist Myanmar. However, there are concerns about the effectiveness of these efforts, given the existing humanitarian challenges. The UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warns that the destruction of infrastructure, particularly in water and sanitation, could lead to increased disease outbreaks. Risks of respiratory infections, skin diseases, and vaccine-preventable diseases like measles are on the rise.
In Thailand, the earthquake was felt across 63 provinces, with damage reported in 18 provinces, particularly in the northern and central regions. The Center for International Trade Studies at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce estimates that economic damage in Thailand could range between 3,000 to 5,000 million baht due to the tremors, which have caused panic among the population.
In light of this disaster, Thailand's Ministry of Finance has expressed concerns about the construction of dams in conflict zones, fearing that villagers upstream may face water shortages while those downstream risk flooding. The government is urged to expedite assistance to affected areas to mitigate further damage and ensure the safety of vital infrastructure.
While Thailand is prepared to assist Myanmar, the lack of an effective public warning system has raised alarms. Many citizens reported feeling unprepared for the quake, highlighting the need for a robust disaster response plan. Currently, Thailand lacks a comprehensive SMS alert system to keep the public informed in emergencies, which could have reduced panic and improved response times.
As the aftershocks of the earthquake continue to reverberate, both in terms of physical tremors and psychological impacts on the populace, there is a growing call for Thailand to develop a more proactive disaster management strategy. This includes establishing a public disaster warning system, emergency response drills, and educating citizens on how to react during such events.
Moreover, the real estate market is feeling the impact, with a noticeable decline in condominium sales as buyers express hesitance to invest in high-rise buildings. In contrast, single-family homes are seeing increased interest as people seek safer living conditions.
The government must also consider the long-term implications of the earthquake on investor confidence, particularly as the country approaches the Songkran festival, a peak travel season. With reduced bookings and concerns over safety, the economic ramifications could extend beyond immediate damage assessments.
In summary, the earthquake in Myanmar has not only resulted in a significant loss of life but has also highlighted the vulnerabilities in disaster preparedness and response in both Myanmar and Thailand. As nations come together to provide aid, the focus must remain on ensuring that the most vulnerable populations receive the assistance they need, while also implementing measures to prevent future tragedies.
