Catastrophic Earthquake Rocks Myanmar and Thailand, Claims Over 140 Lives

Date: March 28, 2025

A catastrophic earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, March 28, 2025, leaving a trail of destruction and loss across the region. With a magnitude of 7.7, the quake’s epicenter was located near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, and its powerful tremors were felt as far away as Bangkok, Thailand. Official reports confirm that at least 144 people have been killed in Myanmar, with hundreds more injured, and the death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue. The disaster has also impacted Thailand, where a skyscraper under construction collapsed in Bangkok, adding to the casualty count.

A Devastating Blow to Myanmar

The earthquake hit at approximately 12:50 p.m. local time, with a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), amplifying its destructive force. A strong aftershock measuring 6.4 followed shortly after, further damaging already weakened structures. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) issued a red alert, warning that the disaster could result in thousands of deaths due to its widespread impact.

In Myanmar, the hardest-hit areas include Mandalay, Sagaing, and Naypyidaw. Numerous buildings—ranging from residential apartments to hospitals and religious shrines—have either collapsed or sustained severe damage. Rescue workers are facing significant challenges, including:

• Damaged infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, hindering access to affected areas.

• Communication blackouts, complicating coordination efforts.

• Ongoing civil conflict, which has already strained resources in the region.

The Myanmar government has declared a state of emergency in multiple regions and issued a rare appeal for international assistance, signaling the scale of the crisis.

Ripple Effects in Thailand

In neighboring Thailand, the earthquake caused widespread panic, particularly in Bangkok, where a 33-story skyscraper under construction collapsed. At least eight people were killed, and dozens remain missing as rescue teams work tirelessly through the rubble. The Thai government has declared a state of emergency in Bangkok and is mobilizing resources to support survivors and assess the damage.

A Call for Global Support

International organizations are stepping in to help. The United Nations and Red Cross are coordinating aid efforts, while the World Health Organization has activated its emergency systems to deliver trauma supplies. The United States has also pledged assistance to Myanmar, a significant move given the country’s geopolitical complexities.

As aftershocks continue to threaten the region, the full extent of the damage remains unclear. What is certain, however, is that this earthquake has triggered a humanitarian crisis requiring a sustained global response. The affected communities in Myanmar and Thailand face a long road to recovery, and international support will be critical in helping them rebuild.