On March 28, 2025, a powerful earthquake struck central Myanmar, registering a magnitude of 7.7 according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter was located approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) northwest of Sagaing, near the city of Mandalay, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles). This shallow depth amplified the quake’s destructive potential, causing widespread damage across multiple regions. A significant aftershock of magnitude 6.4 followed, further complicating rescue and recovery efforts.
In Myanmar, the earthquake led to the collapse of buildings, including homes, a mosque in Taungoo (where three people were reported killed), and a tea shop in Mandalay with several trapped inside. Social media and eyewitness accounts reported debris-strewn streets and panicked residents fleeing to open spaces. The ruling military junta declared a state of emergency in six regions—Sagaing, Mandalay, Bago, Magway, eastern Shan state, and Naypyidaw—and made a rare request for international humanitarian aid. A bridge connecting Ava and Sagaing also collapsed, and damage was reported to pagodas and other structures in Naypyidaw. The exact toll on casualties and infrastructure remains unclear due to communication challenges and the ongoing civil conflict, but the USGS has suggested the potential for significant loss of life.
The tremors were felt strongly in neighboring countries. In Thailand, Bangkok—over 1,000 kilometers away—experienced severe shaking, resulting in the collapse of an under-construction skyscraper, killing at least one person and injuring dozens, with 43 construction workers trapped under rubble. The city was declared an emergency zone, and inspections of damaged high-rises are ongoing. Tremors were also reported in southwestern China’s Yunnan province, Bangladesh, and parts of eastern India, though no major casualties were noted in these areas.
Myanmar’s location along the seismically active Sagaing Fault and its history of significant quakes (e.g., a 6.8-magnitude event in 2016) underscore its vulnerability. The current crisis is compounded by the country’s strained medical system, poor infrastructure, and ongoing civil war, posing significant challenges to response efforts. India has offered assistance, while Thailand’s government has warned of possible aftershocks within the next 24 hours.