The devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, has left at least 20 people dead and hundreds injured. The tremors were felt widely across Southeast Asia, including Bangkok, where significant damage occurred.
Myanmar's 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Leaves a Trail of Destruction
Myanmar's 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Leaves a Trail of Destruction
A powerful earthquake strikes Myanmar, resulting in at least 20 fatalities and widespread damage across Southeast Asia.
March 28, 2025 — A severe 7.7-magnitude earthquake rocked central Myanmar today, wreaking havoc across Southeast Asia. The quake, emerging from just north of Mandalay around 12:50 p.m. local time, has reportedly resulted in at least 20 fatalities and left more than 200 injured in Myanmar alone, according to local authorities.
Initial reports highlighted extensive destruction, including the collapse of numerous buildings and infrastructure, with one notable incident being the Ava Bridge near Mandalay, which fell into the Irrawaddy River. Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scenes in Mandalay General Hospital as patients, many still connected to IVs, were evacuated in haste.
The tremors were felt far beyond Myanmar’s borders, leading to significant alerts in neighboring countries such as Thailand, where three lives were claimed by the collapse of a high-rise building under construction in Bangkok. Residents feared further aftershocks, prompting temporary closures of public transport systems, including Bangkok's Skytrain and subway.
In the aftermath, emergency declarations have been issued, with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra urging residents to vacate taller structures. Meanwhile, in Ruili, China, bordering Myanmar, tremors caused injuries and damage, illustrating the quake's far-reaching impact.
As rescue efforts unfold, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is mobilizing teams to assist the affected areas, although operational challenges persist due to disrupted communication and power lines. More updates will follow as this story develops, highlighting the resilience of communities amidst this tragic event.
Initial reports highlighted extensive destruction, including the collapse of numerous buildings and infrastructure, with one notable incident being the Ava Bridge near Mandalay, which fell into the Irrawaddy River. Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scenes in Mandalay General Hospital as patients, many still connected to IVs, were evacuated in haste.
The tremors were felt far beyond Myanmar’s borders, leading to significant alerts in neighboring countries such as Thailand, where three lives were claimed by the collapse of a high-rise building under construction in Bangkok. Residents feared further aftershocks, prompting temporary closures of public transport systems, including Bangkok's Skytrain and subway.
In the aftermath, emergency declarations have been issued, with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra urging residents to vacate taller structures. Meanwhile, in Ruili, China, bordering Myanmar, tremors caused injuries and damage, illustrating the quake's far-reaching impact.
As rescue efforts unfold, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is mobilizing teams to assist the affected areas, although operational challenges persist due to disrupted communication and power lines. More updates will follow as this story develops, highlighting the resilience of communities amidst this tragic event.
