Massive 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Devastates Myanmar and Thailand, Leaving Hundreds Dead.
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, causing widespread destruction and panic across Southeast Asia. The epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, led to significant casualties and infrastructure collapse. The quake’s impact reached as far as Bangkok, Thailand, where buildings collapsed, intensifying the disaster.
Myanmar: Rising Death Toll and Catastrophic Damage
As of March 29, at least 144 people have died, with numbers expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue. Over 700 injuries have been reported, and numerous historical landmarks and buildings have been destroyed. The Ava Bridge, a major historical site, suffered critical damage and remains closed.
Thailand: High-Rise Collapse in Bangkok
In Bangkok, a partially constructed 30-story skyscraper near Chatuchak Market collapsed, killing at least eight people and leaving 43 construction workers missing. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared Bangkok an emergency zone, mobilizing rescue teams to locate survivors.
Regional Impact: India and China
India: Strong Tremors in Kolkata, Imphal, and Assam
The earthquake triggered strong tremors in Kolkata, Imphal, and Assam, prompting evacuations. While no major casualties have been reported, several buildings developed structural cracks, leading to temporary closures and safety inspections.
China: Damage in Yunnan and Sichuan
In China’s Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, authorities reported moderate damage. Officials are monitoring aftershock risks and assessing damage in border regions near Myanmar to ensure residents’ safety.
Governments Declare States of Emergency
Myanmar: Military Junta Appeals for International Aid
The Myanmar military junta declared a state of emergency in six regions, including Mandalay and Sagaing. Rescue efforts are facing challenges due to damaged roads and power outages. The government made a rare appeal for international humanitarian aid to support disaster relief.
Thailand: Disaster Relief Mobilized
The Thai government launched emergency relief operations, coordinating search-and-rescue efforts and conducting structural inspections on high-rise buildings. Donation drives have been initiated to support earthquake victims.
International Support for Disaster Relief
- United Nations allocated $5 million for Myanmar relief efforts.
- European Union activated Copernicus satellite system to assess earthquake damage and provide emergency aid.
- France, India, and Japan pledged medical aid, rescue teams, and food supplies for Myanmar and Thailand.
- India launched ‘Operation Brahma’, dispatching 15 tones of essential relief materials, including tents, blankets, food, water purifiers, solar lamps, and medical supplies, to Myanmar.
Urgent Need for Earthquake Preparedness
With over 150 dead, 700 injured, and hundreds missing, this catastrophic earthquake highlights Southeast Asia’s vulnerability to seismic disasters. Experts warn of aftershocks, urging authorities to reinforce earthquake-resistant infrastructure and implement early warning systems.
As rescue efforts continue, the world watches how Myanmar and Thailand will rebuild from this devastating earthquake. Humanitarian aid and strong disaster preparedness are crucial in restoring hope and stability to the affected regions.
