A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 7:20 AM Dutch time (12:50 PM local time), registering a magnitude of 7.7. The quake's epicenter was located near Mandalay, the country's second-largest city, approximately 250 kilometers north of the capital, Naypyidaw. Just twelve minutes after the initial tremor, an aftershock of magnitude 6.4 followed, compounding the chaos and destruction in the region.
The earthquake has had devastating effects, with reports of significant casualties and damage in both Myanmar and neighboring countries. A state of emergency has been declared in several regions of Myanmar as authorities grapple with the aftermath of the tremor.
As of now, a hospital in Naypyidaw has reported twenty fatalities, marking the first official death toll from the disaster. The victims were among those who were transported to the hospital for treatment following the quake. Initial reports indicate that at least ten people have died in Mandalay due to the collapse of a mosque, while five others were killed when a monastery collapsed in the southern city of Taungoo.
Eyewitness accounts describe widespread destruction in Mandalay, where multiple buildings have reportedly collapsed. One local resident recounted, "I saw a five-story building collapse right before my eyes. Everyone in the city is on the streets, and no one dares to go back inside." The situation is dire, with many residents fearing for their lives as they navigate the debris.
The military junta in Myanmar has requested international assistance, a significant move given the country's historically closed-off stance. Reports suggest that the junta has declared a state of emergency in six regions, although detailed information about the extent of the damage and the number of casualties remains sparse. Communication has been severely hampered, with power outages complicating rescue efforts.
In Thailand, the earthquake's effects were also felt, particularly in Bangkok, where a thirty-story building under construction collapsed, resulting in the deaths of at least three people. Emergency services are currently searching for approximately 81 individuals believed to be trapped under the rubble. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed the fatalities and expressed concern over the situation, stating, "I fear that many lives have been lost. We have never experienced an earthquake with such devastating impact before."
As rescue operations continue, the urgency of the situation is palpable. Hospitals in the region are overwhelmed, with reports indicating that the emergency room at the Naypyidaw hospital is full, and medical personnel are struggling to treat the influx of injured individuals. One doctor lamented, "Many people are hurt," emphasizing the critical need for medical supplies and assistance.
The tremor was not only felt in Myanmar and Thailand; reports indicate that it was also detected in parts of China and Vietnam. In Ruili, a city just across the border from Myanmar, injuries have been reported, and homes have sustained damage. The earthquake's shockwaves reached as far as Kunming, a major city in southwestern China, where residents experienced tremors.
In the face of this disaster, the international community is closely monitoring the situation. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs is investigating whether any Dutch nationals have been affected by the earthquake. A spokesperson stated, "We are aware of the serious reports and are looking into whether there are any Dutch citizens involved. We urge those in the affected areas to follow local authorities' instructions and reach out for assistance if needed."
Despite the challenges, local volunteers and medical professionals are stepping up to aid those in need. Many are taking to the streets to provide immediate care to the injured, as the government struggles to coordinate an effective response. "The situation is very serious," one eyewitness reported, highlighting the urgent need for help.
As the rescue efforts unfold, the full extent of the earthquake's impact remains unclear. The Myanmarese government has yet to release comprehensive data on the number of casualties and the scale of the destruction. However, social media is flooded with images indicating significant damage, with numerous buildings and infrastructure reportedly collapsing.
The earthquake in Myanmar serves as a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to seismic activity. Situated on the boundary of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates, Myanmar has a history of powerful earthquakes, with many past events resulting in substantial loss of life and property.
As the world watches and waits for updates, the people of Myanmar and Thailand are left to grapple with the immediate aftermath of this catastrophic event. With the hope of rescue and recovery hanging in the balance, the resilience of the affected communities will be put to the test in the coming days.
