Southeast Asia was rocked by two powerful earthquakes on March 28, 2025, leading to significant destruction and chaos in several regions. The first earthquake, which struck Myanmar, registered a magnitude of 7.9, followed closely by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock just twelve minutes later. The epicenter of the tremors was located approximately 33 kilometers southwest of Mandalay, a city home to over 1.2 million people, with the focus at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre.
The impact of the earthquakes was felt far beyond Myanmar, with reports of tremors reaching as far as Thailand and even Turkey. In Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, a 30-story skyscraper under construction collapsed due to the seismic activity. Eyewitness accounts described a terrifying scene as the building crumbled, sending a cloud of dust into the air and causing panic among bystanders. Videos circulating on social media captured the moment of collapse, with people screaming and fleeing the area.
As the tremors shook the city, water from rooftop swimming pools spilled over, and debris rained down from various buildings. The Thai authorities responded swiftly, declaring a state of emergency and initiating evacuation procedures for residents in high-rise buildings. Alarm systems were triggered in many structures, prompting people to exit into the streets.
The extent of the destruction in Myanmar was severe, with reports indicating that several buildings in Mandalay had collapsed and hundreds of homes were damaged. A bridge across the Irrawaddy River, connecting the city of Sikain with Ava, also fell, further complicating rescue efforts. Eyewitnesses in Yangon, the former capital, described scenes of panic as residents rushed from their homes into the streets.
Emergency services in Thailand reported that at least 43 construction workers were trapped under the rubble of the collapsed skyscraper in Bangkok. Rescue operations commenced immediately, with authorities working diligently to locate and free those trapped. Tragically, reports indicate that at least one worker has died, and the number of injured individuals has climbed to over 50, with the New York Times reporting that the death toll has risen to 20.
As the situation unfolded, the Thai aviation regulator suspended all flights at airports across the country, although Bangkok Airport continued operations despite the ban. The underground and above-ground metro systems in the capital were also halted as a precautionary measure due to potential structural damage.
In the aftermath of the earthquakes, officials are assessing the full extent of the damage and preparing for possible aftershocks. The U.S. Geological Survey has confirmed that the earthquakes' epicenters were located at coordinates 21.85 degrees north latitude and 95.95 degrees east longitude, with a depth of 30 kilometers for both tremors.
As the hours passed, the situation remained fluid, with reports of continued evacuations and assessments being conducted in both Myanmar and Thailand. The Prime Minister of Thailand has called for calm and urged citizens to remain vigilant as the region braces for potential further seismic activity.
Eyewitness accounts from tourists in Thailand highlighted the panic experienced during the earthquakes. One tourist, Elena, recounted her experience in a shopping center when the tremors began. "Visitors fussed and rushed to the exits. Panic began," she described. Another eyewitness, Anna, noted that sirens were sounding as people filled the streets, waiting for further instructions.
The earthquakes have left a profound impact on the region, with officials and citizens alike grappling with the aftermath. As rescue operations continue and assessments of the damage unfold, the hope is that those trapped can be rescued swiftly and that the affected communities can begin to recover from this devastating natural disaster.
In conclusion, the earthquakes of March 28, 2025, have highlighted the vulnerability of Southeast Asia to seismic events and the urgent need for preparedness and response strategies. As the region comes to terms with the destruction and loss, the resilience of its people will be tested in the days ahead.
