On Friday, March 28, 2025, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar and neighboring Thailand, causing significant destruction and loss of life. The initial quake was followed by a strong aftershock of magnitude 6.4, compounding the devastation across the region.
Impact in Myanmar
The epicenter of the earthquake was located near Sagaing, Myanmar, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, suffered extensive damage, with collapsed buildings and historic structures destroyed. Social media images showed debris scattered across streets and parts of the former royal palace damaged. In Sagaing, a historic 90-year-old bridge fell, and highways connecting Mandalay to Yangon were severely affected. Religious shrines in Naypyitaw also sustained damage. The military-led government declared a state of emergency across six regions and requested international humanitarian aid.
Destruction in Thailand
In Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, a high-rise building under construction collapsed near Chatuchak Market, trapping dozens of workers inside. Emergency services confirmed at least three fatalities, with 43 individuals reported missing. The collapse created a massive cloud of dust as bystanders fled in panic. Several other buildings swayed ominously during the tremors, prompting mass evacuations across the city. Metro and rail services were suspended, and power outages were reported in parts of Bangkok.
The earthquake’s tremors were felt as far as China’s Yunnan province, where no injuries were reported but structural vibrations caused alarm. In Bangkok, trading on the stock market was temporarily suspended due to the chaos. Witnesses described scenes of panic as people rushed out of buildings in fear.
Myanmar’s ongoing civil war has complicated relief efforts in affected areas. Many regions remain inaccessible due to conflict and damaged infrastructure. Hospitals in Mandalay and Naypyitaw are overwhelmed with casualties, forcing medical staff to set up outdoor triage areas.
Scientific Explanation
The earthquake resulted from seismic activity along the Sagaing Fault, a major tectonic boundary between the Indian Plate and Burma microplate. This fault is highly active and prone to releasing stress built up over time through powerful earthquakes.
Rescue operations are ongoing in both countries as authorities work to assess the full extent of the damage and provide aid to those affected.
