A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar (formerly Burma) today, March 28, 2025, causing extensive damage and loss of life. The quake, which occurred at approximately 12:50 p.m. local time, had its epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. Tremors were felt as far as Thailand, Bangladesh, and India, triggering panic and emergency responses across the region.
Death Toll and Damage
Reports indicate that at least 144 people have died, with over 732 injured in Myanmar alone. The city of Mandalay has suffered significant structural damage, with many buildings, bridges, and roads either collapsing or becoming severely weakened. Among the damaged landmarks is the historic Mahamuni Pagoda, one of Myanmar’s most sacred Buddhist sites. Sections of the Mandalay Moat wall have also been destroyed, further illustrating the quake’s devastating impact.
Neighboring Thailand also experienced serious consequences, particularly in Bangkok, where a 30-story building under construction collapsed. At least nine people have died there, while over 100 are missing or trapped beneath the rubble. Emergency crews are working around the clock to locate survivors.
Aftershocks and Regional Impact
A strong aftershock measuring 6.4 in magnitude followed the initial earthquake, compounding the devastation. Cities such as Yangon and Naypyidaw, located hundreds of miles away, reported noticeable tremors. In Naypyidaw, the country’s capital, the airport’s control tower suffered significant damage, further disrupting transportation and communication networks.
Rescue and Humanitarian Response
The Myanmar military government has declared a state of emergency and appealed for international assistance. Rescue teams are facing immense challenges due to ongoing civil conflict in the region, making it difficult to reach affected areas. The United Nations and other international relief organizations have mobilized to provide emergency aid, including medical supplies, food, and temporary shelter for those displaced by the disaster.
Geological Context
Myanmar sits along the Sagaing Fault, a highly active tectonic boundary between the Indian and Eurasian plates. Earthquakes of this magnitude are not uncommon in the region. The shallow depth of this quake, estimated at just 10 kilometers, contributed to the widespread destruction, as shallower earthquakes tend to cause more intense ground shaking.
Future Outlook
As the full extent of the destruction becomes clearer, authorities warn that the death toll may rise further. Search and rescue efforts remain the top priority, but efforts are hampered by damaged infrastructure and ongoing security concerns. This catastrophe highlights the urgent need for improved earthquake preparedness and infrastructure resilience in Myanmar and other seismically active regions.
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
