Major Earthquake Devastates Myanmar and Thailand Amid Ongoing Conflicts

On March 28, 2025, a significant earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, causing widespread damage and loss of life. With Myanmar's ongoing civil conflict complicating rescue efforts, the tremors were felt across Southeast Asia, leading to significant destruction in Thailand as well.

A severe earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale hit near Mandalay, Myanmar, on Friday, resulting in substantial destruction and at least 20 fatalities in Myanmar alone. Hundreds have been reported injured, as bridges and buildings crumbled across Southeast Asia due to the quake. Occurring just ahead of 1 p.m. local time, the powerful shock was followed by a substantial aftershock measuring 6.4, which struck 11 minutes later. Reports indicate that the tremors were felt as far away as southern China and Vietnam, and in the Thai capital, Bangkok, where a 30-story skyscraper under construction collapsed, claiming at least three lives.

The situation in Myanmar, which is already engulfed in a civil war stretching over four years, has made the assessment of casualties and damages particularly challenging. In Bangkok, panic ensued as residents rushed into the streets fearing further aftershocks, leading to severe traffic disruptions and chaotic scenes in bustling areas. Eyewitness accounts describe water surging from the rooftops of nearby constructions, showcasing the quake's profound impact.

Visual documentation shows patients fleeing from a public hospital in Mandalay to safety in the parking lot, while emergency response teams are mobilized throughout the region. The collapsed Ava Bridge near Mandalay and the extensive devastation seen in Naypyidaw highlight the earthquake's brutality. As search and rescue operations continue, the local and international community watches closely, hoping for speedy recovery from this unforeseen disaster.