On March 28, 2025, a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit near Mandalay, Myanmar, resulting in at least 20 fatalities and over 200 injuries. The quake's impacts extended to Thailand, where emergency measures have been implemented following a significant building collapse. Ongoing rescue efforts are hampered by damage to infrastructure throughout the affected regions.
Major Earthquake Strikes Myanmar: At Least 20 Dead and Widespread Damage in Southeast Asia
Major Earthquake Strikes Myanmar: At Least 20 Dead and Widespread Damage in Southeast Asia
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake has wreaked havoc across Myanmar and parts of Southeast Asia, causing significant casualties and infrastructural collapse, raising urgent calls for aid.
A powerful earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 28, 2025, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale and resulting in at least 20 fatalities and injuries to over 200 individuals, according to reports from Mandalay General Hospital. Occurring at approximately 12:50 PM local time, the earthquake was located about 10 miles northwest of Sagaing and registered a relatively shallow depth of six miles, which made the shaking more severe.
The frantic aftermath saw injured residents urgently transported from hospitals as many patients fled to nearby parking areas while tethered to IV drips and oxygen tanks. The quake also caused critical damage to buildings and infrastructure, including the collapse of the Ava Bridge over the Irrawaddy River, leaving residents in dire need of assistance.
The crisis exacerbated the existing humanitarian struggles in Myanmar, a country that has faced significant turmoil following a military coup that disrupted governance and healthcare systems. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, and access to certain regions is limited due to electrical failures and cut communication lines.
The tremors were felt far beyond Myanmar, affecting neighboring countries, particularly Thailand, where people reported panic as they evacuated buildings in Bangkok. The city is now under a declared state of emergency, with officials encouraging residents to seek shelter away from high-rises due to fears of aftershocks. In Bangkok, at least three lives were taken when a 30-story building collapsed during the earthquake, with fears that more individuals remain trapped beneath the rubble.
As the region recovers from the disaster, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is mobilizing local response teams, eager to provide assistance despite challenges imposed by the precarious infrastructure and logistics. From Bangladesh to Vietnam, cities reported tremors, underscoring the widespread nature of this seismic event and the urgent need for coordinated regional support.
