On March 28, 2025, a powerful earthquake struck central Myanmar, sending shockwaves felt across neighboring countries, including Thailand and China. The quake, initially reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) as a magnitude of 7.7, was later confirmed by the China Earthquake Networks Center to be 7.9, with a focal depth of 30 kilometers. The epicenter was located approximately 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing, near Mandalay, and only about 100 kilometers from Myanmar's capital, Naypyidaw.
The tremors began around 2:20 PM Hong Kong time (12:50 PM Yangon time), and reports indicate that the shaking lasted for about five minutes. In Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, residents experienced noticeable tremors that prompted the government to declare a state of emergency. Buildings in the central business district swayed, and at least one high-rise under construction collapsed, resulting in at least one confirmed death and 43 workers reported missing.
Eyewitness accounts from Bangkok described scenes of chaos as people fled buildings. A swimming pool at a high-rise building overflowed, with water cascading down from heights like a waterfall. Cracks appeared in the walls of many structures, and debris fell onto the streets, forcing many residents to seek safety outdoors. A Hong Kong resident living in Thailand, Mr. K, expressed his shock, stating, "When I got home, I saw that the exterior of my building looked like the foundation had sunk, and the whole building seemed to tilt, with wide gaps exposing the interior bricks and foundation. It was terrifying since I had never experienced an earthquake here before."
In Myanmar, the impact of the earthquake was severe. Reports from local media indicated that the Sagaing Bridge near the epicenter collapsed due to the tremors. Social media was flooded with videos showing buildings swaying and people evacuating in panic. A resident in Yangon reported that a building tilted to one side during the quake, causing alarm among residents who had never felt such strong tremors before.
In Yunnan Province, China, residents also felt the quake's effects. Reports described power poles collapsing and water pouring from rooftops in cities like Ruili, where the earthquake's intensity was palpable. A resident of Kunming recounted his experience, saying, "I was lying in bed looking at my phone when I suddenly felt everything shaking. I rushed downstairs to see many others in pajamas and carrying bags evacuating."
The earthquake's tremors were felt widely across Yunnan, with residents reporting shaking in cities such as Dali, Baoshan, and Lijiang. According to reports, some homes were damaged, and injuries were reported in Ruili City. Rescue teams were quickly organized to assist those affected.
As the situation unfolded, the Thai government took immediate action to assess the damage and ensure public safety. Officials urged residents to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks, which are common following significant seismic events. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration reported that emergency services were on high alert, ready to respond to any further incidents.
In the wake of the earthquake, many residents expressed their fears and concerns about the potential for aftershocks. A local resident shared, "I've lived in Thailand for five years and have never experienced an earthquake like this. Everyone is worried about what might happen next."
The USGS and other geological agencies continue to monitor the situation closely, providing updates on seismic activity in the region. Experts emphasize the importance of preparedness in earthquake-prone areas, especially for urban centers like Bangkok that may not have experienced such significant tremors in recent history.
The earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the natural forces that can impact communities, highlighting the need for ongoing education and preparedness measures to safeguard lives and property. As rescue efforts continue in Myanmar and assessments of damage in Thailand unfold, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents and providing assistance to those in need.
In conclusion, the events of March 28, 2025, have left a significant mark on the region, illustrating the unpredictable nature of earthquakes and the resilience of communities in the face of such challenges. As both Thailand and Myanmar begin to recover from this seismic event, the importance of solidarity and support in times of crisis becomes ever more apparent.
