Strong 7.9 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Myanmar And Thailand

On March 28, 2025, at 14:20 local time, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale struck central Myanmar, with its epicenter located at 21.85 degrees North latitude and 95.95 degrees East longitude, and a focal depth of 30 kilometers. The tremors were strongly felt in Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, and across neighboring Thailand, prompting an urgent response from local authorities.

The earthquake's impact was significant, with strong tremors reported throughout Thailand. In Bangkok, the capital city, the shaking lasted for several minutes, causing panic among residents. Many fled high-rise buildings, seeking safety on the streets. Eyewitness accounts described scenes of chaos, with people screaming and rushing to escape the tremors. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimated that up to 13 million people may have experienced strong to severe shaking during the event.

Tragically, the earthquake triggered the collapse of a 30-story building under construction in Bangkok, which was intended to serve as the new office for the Thai Audit Office. Reports indicate that at least three people have died as a result of the building's collapse, with initial estimates suggesting that around 300 workers were present at the site when the earthquake struck. Rescue operations are currently underway, with emergency responders working to locate and assist those trapped in the rubble.

According to the Director-General of the Thai Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, the situation is dire, as there are fears that up to 43 individuals may still be buried under the debris. Videos circulating on social media show the chaotic aftermath of the collapse, with dust clouds rising from the site and workers desperately calling for help. One video captures a worker reportedly trapped under rubble, with only their head visible, pleading for assistance.

The earthquake's epicenter was situated approximately 294 kilometers from China's nearest border, causing noticeable tremors in several regions of Yunnan Province, including Xishuangbanna, Dehong, Kunming, Lijiang, Baoshan, and Dali. Residents in these areas reported feeling strong shaking, and social media posts from Yunnan indicated widespread alarm.

In addition to the immediate destruction in Bangkok, the earthquake has led to a broader state of emergency being declared in several major cities across Myanmar, including Naypyidaw and Yangon. Reports from the capital indicate that roads have cracked and buildings sustained significant structural damage, with ceilings collapsing in various locations. As of now, the Myanmar government has not released comprehensive reports on casualties or property damage, but initial reports from hospitals in Naypyidaw suggest that approximately 20 people have died.

This earthquake marks the 17th seismic event of magnitude 6 or above to occur globally in 2025 and is the largest earthquake recorded this year. The region is known for its seismic activity, with the Sagaing Fault running through central Myanmar, a historical hotbed for earthquakes. Data from the USGS indicates that between 1930 and 1956, six earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or higher occurred near this fault.

In the wake of the disaster, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra interrupted her official visit to Phuket to convene an emergency meeting in response to the unfolding crisis. The situation in Bangkok has led to the suspension of subway and light rail services, affecting the daily commute of countless residents. The Stock Exchange of Thailand also announced a temporary halt in trading as the city grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophic event.

As rescue efforts continue, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any signs of distress from those potentially trapped. The full extent of the damage and the number of casualties is still being assessed, as emergency teams work tirelessly to navigate the debris and provide aid to those in need.

This earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to natural disasters and the importance of preparedness in mitigating the impact of such events. As communities begin to recover, the focus will undoubtedly shift towards rebuilding and ensuring that infrastructure is resilient enough to withstand future seismic activity.

In summary, the March 28 earthquake has had devastating effects on Myanmar and Thailand, with loss of life, structural damage, and widespread panic. As the situation develops, the hope is that rescue efforts will be successful and that affected communities will receive the support they need to recover.