On 28 March 2025 at 12:50 MMT (06:20 UTC), a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar’s Sagaing Region, near Mandalay. The quake, at a shallow depth of 10km, caused massive destruction, with roads buckled and buildings collapsed. The disaster resulted in more than 1,600 deaths in Myanmar and 11 in Thailand, with over 3,400 injured. Many more remain missing, including at a collapsed high-rise construction site in Bangkok. Authorities expect the death toll to rise.
Causes of the Earthquake
The quake occurred due to strike-slip faulting between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates along the Sagaing Fault. Experts note that this region has experienced several large earthquakes in the past, but this is the most powerful since 1912.
Damage and Rescue Efforts
- In Myanmar, entire buildings have crumbled, and hospitals are overwhelmed with injured victims. A bridge over the Irrawaddy River collapsed, cutting off access to affected areas.
- In Thailand, Bangkok felt strong tremors, and a 33-story high-rise under construction collapsed, killing multiple people. Dozens of workers remain trapped.
- China’s Yunnan province also reported structural damage to hundreds of homes.
- Authorities have declared an emergency, with rescue teams working around the clock to find survivors. One woman was rescued after 30 hours trapped under rubble in Mandalay.
Ongoing Challenges
Myanmar’s ongoing civil war has complicated disaster response efforts, with reports of military airstrikes in affected areas. In response, the National Unity Government’s People’s Defence Force (PDF) has announced a two-week pause in offensive operations to allow humanitarian aid.
Will There Be More Quakes?
Experts warn of aftershocks in the coming days, which could bring down already weakened buildings. Myanmar’s last major quake of this magnitude occurred in 1956, and experts say the region was overdue for a large seismic event.
Looking Ahead
Rescue operations continue as authorities and aid organizations rush to provide assistance. However, with roads destroyed and infrastructure severely damaged, recovery will take time. The earthquake is expected to worsen the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, already struggling with conflict and economic hardship.
The world watches as Myanmar and its neighboring countries deal with the aftermath of this devastating earthquake.