A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, March 28, 2025, causing widespread destruction and triggering tremors across neighboring countries, including Thailand, China, and India. The earthquake's epicenter was located 16 km north-northwest of Sagaing, a region in central Myanmar, at a depth of 10 km, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The main shock was followed minutes later by an aftershock of 6.4 magnitude, further intensifying the crisis.
At least 20 confirmed deaths have occurred in Myanmar, according to local media sources, and authorities are concerned that the number may increase as search and rescue efforts continue. The buildings in Sagaing and Mandalay collapsed as a result of the strong enough vibrations to cause structural damage. Residential structures were left in rubble, and there was apparently serious damage to a historic bridge over the Irrawaddy River.
In neighboring Thailand, the tremors were strongly felt, particularly in Bangkok, where several buildings swayed violently. The disaster led to the collapse of an under-construction high-rise in Chatuchak, leaving at least 43 workers missing. Thai authorities have declared a state of emergency in Bangkok, as metro and rail services were suspended due to safety concerns.
China’s Yunnan province also reported strong tremors, with the China Earthquake Networks Center measuring the quake at 7.9 magnitude. The tremors were also felt in India, particularly in Kolkata and Manipur, and as far as Bangladesh, where mild tremors were reported in Dhaka and Chattogram.
Global response and rescue operationsThai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra called for an urgent crisis meeting, mobilising rescue teams to find those trapped under the collapsed building in Bangkok. Hundreds of emergency responders, including firefighters and medical personnel, have been deployed across affected areas.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered support and voiced his sorrow over the tragedy. He wrote, "I'm praying for the safety and well-being of everyone affected by the earthquake," on the social media site X (previously Twitter). We have requested that our authorities be on call in case any assistance is required.
Shocking videos capture the chaos
Terrifying videos surfaced on social media, showing tall buildings swaying and water sloshing violently from swimming pools. One viral clip captured water cascading from an infinity pool, while another showed the Bangkok skyscraper collapsing into a cloud of dust. In Myanmar, footage depicted damaged temples and monasteries, including one in Taunggyi, Shan State, near the Thailand border.
Myanmar’s history of earthquakesBecause Myanmar is situated on the Sagaing Fault, a seismically active zone that runs through the nation, earthquakes are common there. Six earthquakes with a magnitude of 7.0 or higher occurred close to the fault line between 1930 and 1956. Bagan was severely damaged by the most recent large earthquake, a 6.8-magnitude tremor in 2016, which also destroyed historic structures and claimed three lives.
With a fragile medical infrastructure, especially in rural areas, Myanmar now faces a daunting challenge in recovering from this catastrophe. Rescue efforts are ongoing as the region grapples with the aftermath of one of its strongest quakes in recent history.
