On March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, causing widespread destruction and disruption across the country and sending tremors as far as Bangkok, Thailand. The quake, centered just west of Mandalay—Myanmar’s second-largest city—occurred at midday and was followed 12 minutes later by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock. As of March 29, the official death toll stands at 1,644, with over 3,400 injured, according to Myanmar’s military government. Experts caution that the total number of casualties could rise significantly as rescue efforts continue in areas affected by both conflict and limited infrastructure.
The quake ruptured along the Sagaing Fault, a 1,200-kilometer tectonic boundary running through the country’s heartland. The tremors caused buildings, roads, and power lines to collapse. In Mandalay, Red Cross workers reported over 90 individuals trapped in a collapsed apartment block. Rescue teams were able to pull survivors—such as 30-year-old Phyu Lay Khaing—from the debris after more than 30 hours. Naypyitaw’s international airport lost its control tower, resulting in several fatalities, while at least 50 mosques collapsed during Friday prayers, with nearly 300 fatalities reported. The ancient temples of Bagan, a key cultural and religious site near the fault line, also sustained damage, similar to the aftermath of a 2016 earthquake.
In Bangkok, located roughly 600 miles away, the quake caused the collapse of a 30-story building under construction. At least eight people were confirmed dead, with dozens trapped and over 100 reported missing across 11 Thai provinces.
Myanmar’s military leadership, under General Min Aung Hlaing, declared a state of emergency across six regions and made a rare appeal for international aid—marking a notable change in approach from a government that has remained largely isolated since the 2021 coup. In response, the United Nations allocated $5 million in emergency relief, while China and India dispatched search teams and humanitarian supplies. Despite this, local health systems in regions such as Mandalay, Magway, and Sagaing are under severe strain, with medical workers treating large numbers of injured people in makeshift conditions, many of them sleeping outdoors amid continuing aftershocks. As of Friday evening, at least 44 aftershocks had been recorded.
The opposition-aligned National Unity Government announced a two-week partial ceasefire to support relief efforts. However, reports of continued military operations have emerged, prompting expressions of concern from the United Nations and other international bodies.
Experts attribute the scale of damage in part to the lack of earthquake-resilient infrastructure. Decades of underinvestment in building standards have left many structures vulnerable to seismic activity. Prior to the quake, the U.S. Geological Survey had issued a red alert indicating the potential for up to 10,000 fatalities, a projection that is becoming increasingly consistent with ongoing reports. In Bangkok, the collapse of the high-rise building has raised questions about construction practices, as rescue teams continue to work amid unstable conditions.
The earthquake has deeply impacted remote townships such as Nyaungshwe and Kalaw, where communication and transport routes are limited due to years of conflict.
Global leaders have responded with offers of support. U.S. President Donald Trump pledged assistance on March 28, with USAID teams prepared to deploy supplies and personnel. China’s President Xi Jinping also extended condolences and support to Myanmar’s leadership. Western nations, including the United Kingdom, have acknowledged the humanitarian needs, though existing sanctions against Myanmar’s government complicate the logistics of aid delivery.
For the people of Myanmar, the earthquake adds to a long list of challenges—civil conflict, economic hardship, and now a natural disaster. Some local reports have referenced cultural beliefs that associate major earthquakes with political change. Whether seen as symbolism or simply a reflection of the nation’s grief, the sentiment underscores the uncertainty now faced by millions as recovery efforts begin.
Myanmar = Orange
Image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license and was created using MapChart (https://mapchart.net).
