Powerful Earthquake Strikes Central Myanmar
On March 28, 2025, a devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck central Myanmar, causing widespread destruction and panic across Southeast Asia. The epicenter was located approximately 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing, at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS)
Impact in Myanmar
- Mandalay: The city, known for its historical significance and as Myanmar’s second-largest urban center, suffered significant damage. Buildings collapsed, and numerous structures were compromised, leading to at least 20 reported deaths and around 200 injuries34. The Ava Bridge in Mandalay also collapsed into the Irrawaddy River4.
- Naypyidaw: The capital city experienced road damage and structural collapses29.
- Taungoo: Three people lost their lives when a mosque partially collapsed
Impact in Neighboring Countries
- Thailand: The earthquake was felt strongly in Bangkok, about 1,000 kilometers from the epicenter, causing panic and the collapse of a high-rise building under construction. At least three people died, and 81 construction workers were trapped in the rubble15. Trading was suspended on the stock market due to the emergency situation1.
- China: Tremors were also reported in Yunnan province in southwestern China
Causes and Response
The earthquake occurred along the Sagaing Fault, a major tectonic boundary between the Indian Plate and the Burma microplate. This fault is highly active and responsible for much of the region’s seismic activity6.
Myanmar’s military government declared an ’emergency situation’ across the affected areas, while Thailand’s prime minister announced an ’emergency zone’ in Bangkok4. Rescue operations are ongoing, but communication and electricity outages in some regions have hindered relief efforts34.
Ongoing Situation
As the situation continues to unfold, international organizations like the Red Cross are assessing the damage and providing assistance. However, the full extent of the destruction remains unclear due to communication challenges in the affected regions37.
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