A massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake rattled Burma and Thailand on Friday, March 28, 2025, causing buildings to collapse and sending residents scrambling for safety. The earthquake struck at approximately 12:50 PM local time, with its epicenter located near Sagaing, just 16 kilometers northwest of the town. Tremors were felt across almost every region of Myanmar and even in neighboring countries, including India and China. An aftershock measuring 6.4 magnitude followed just 12 minutes after the initial quake, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
In the Thai capital, Bangkok, where the earthquake's effects were keenly felt, hundreds of people fled buildings in fear. Alarms blared as residents were evacuated from high-rise apartments and hotels. Video footage circulating on social media showed a multi-story building under construction collapsing into a cloud of dust, while onlookers screamed and ran for safety. Reports indicate that at least two people have died and many more are trapped under the rubble of the collapsed structure.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Thailand convened an emergency meeting to assess the damage and declared a state of emergency in the capital. The greater Bangkok area, home to over 17 million people, was particularly vulnerable, with high-rise buildings swaying and water from rooftop pools sloshing over the edges. Police were deployed to the scene near Bangkok's popular Chatuchak Market to assist with evacuations and assess the situation.
In Myanmar, the earthquake caused significant damage, particularly in the capital Naypyitaw, where religious shrines were damaged, and parts of the structures toppled to the ground. A Burmese fire official stated, "We have started the search and going around Yangon to check for casualties and damage. So far, we have no information yet." Meanwhile, rescue teams are forming to search for survivors, and dozens are reported missing.
Experts attribute Myanmar's vulnerability to earthquakes largely to its location along the Sagaing Fault, a major tectonic boundary between the Indian Plate and the Burma microplate. This fault, which runs approximately 1,200 kilometers through the country, has a history of significant seismic activity, including a magnitude 7.7 quake in 1946 and a 6.8 quake in 2012. The region's geological complexity arises from the ongoing collision of tectonic plates, increasing the likelihood of earthquakes.
As authorities assess the situation, reports of casualties are emerging. In addition to the damage in Naypyitaw, a fire erupted at Mandalay University, causing panic among locals. Reports indicate that five people, including children, died in Taungoo after a monastery sheltering war refugees collapsed. Additionally, local media reported that at least 20 people were killed when a mosque in Mandalay was destroyed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India expressed concern for the situation, stating that India stands ready to offer assistance. He wrote on social media, "Concerned by the situation in the wake of the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Praying for the safety and wellbeing of everyone. India stands ready to offer all possible assistance. In this regard, asked our authorities to be on standby. Also asked the MEA to remain in touch with the Governments of Myanmar and Thailand." This gesture underscores the regional impact of the disaster and the potential for international cooperation in response efforts.
As the day unfolded, videos shared on social media depicted the chaotic aftermath in Bangkok, with buildings swaying and residents pouring out into the streets. Many were seen seeking shade from the midday sun as they awaited further instructions from emergency services. The Thai government suspended some metro and rail services as a precautionary measure, highlighting the widespread impact of the seismic events.
In the wake of the earthquakes, the military regime in Burma has made a rare request for international humanitarian aid, declaring a state of emergency in six regions of the country, including Naypyitaw and Mandalay. The leader of the military dictatorship, Min Aung Hlaing, visited a hospital in Naypyitaw where several injured individuals are being treated. However, it remains unclear how effectively the military will respond to the disaster, given the ongoing civil conflict in the country.
As rescue teams mobilize and assessments of the damage continue, the full extent of the devastation caused by the earthquakes is still unfolding. Experts warn that the potential for destruction remains high due to the densely populated areas near fault lines. With Myanmar’s historical precedent for significant seismic events, preparedness and response strategies are crucial for safeguarding communities in this earthquake-prone region.
In summary, the earthquakes that struck Myanmar and Thailand on March 28, 2025, serve as a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to seismic events. As authorities work to assess the damage and provide assistance to those affected, the international community watches closely, ready to respond to a disaster that has already claimed lives and left many in peril.
