A powerful earthquake hit Myanmar on Friday, March 28, 2025, shaking the region and causing widespread damage. The quake had a magnitude of 7.7 and struck near the city of Sagaing in central Myanmar. Just minutes later, a second quake with a magnitude of 6.7 followed, causing even more destruction.
Over 1,600 Lives Lost
Myanmar’s military government confirmed on state television that at least 1,644 people have died and more than 3,400 have been injured. They also reported that 139 people are still missing. The numbers are expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.
In Thailand, especially in the capital Bangkok, at least 10 people have died, most of them in a skyscraper collapse.
Mandalay and Other Cities Hit Hard
Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, was one of the hardest hit. It is located near the epicenter of the earthquake. Many people chose to sleep outside in parks or on the streets, scared of returning to damaged buildings. Aftershocks were still being felt the next day, adding to the fear.
Roads and Bridges Damaged
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported serious damage to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. This has made it difficult for rescue workers and humanitarian aid to reach people in need.
The Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay Expressway, a major highway, suffered cracks and damage, stopping many buses and cutting off transport services.
Rescue Work and Ceasefire for Relief
Search and rescue operations are ongoing in Myanmar, but damaged roads and unstable buildings have slowed progress. The shadow government, known as the National Unity Government (NUG), announced a two-week ceasefire in earthquake-hit areas. Its armed group, the People’s Defence Force (PDF), promised to help ensure safety, set up medical camps, and assist in rescue work alongside the UN and other NGOs.
Bangkok Tragedy: Skyscraper Collapse
In Bangkok, a 30-story building under construction collapsed during the quake. It happened near the popular Chatuchak weekend market. Around 10 people have been confirmed dead, but officials believe up to 100 workers may still be trapped under the rubble.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said that all efforts are being made to rescue those missing. “Every life matters,” he said. Rescuers worked through the night to save people from the collapsed structure.
Fear, Aftershocks, and Inspections
Although Bangkok is about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from the quake’s center, the city felt strong shaking. Residents, not used to earthquakes, became very nervous. More than 70 aftershocks have been recorded in the past 24 hours.
City officials received over 2,000 reports of damage, and more than 100 engineers have been sent to inspect buildings to ensure they are safe.
International Aid and Support
The situation in Myanmar has drawn global attention. Due to the country’s ongoing conflict and strict borders, international aid has been hard to deliver. However, Myanmar’s rare request for help shows how serious the situation is.
Harry Roberts, a volunteer from the charity ShelterBox, said, “This is very serious. We’re gathering information to understand how to get help inside the country.”
The Myanmar-Thailand earthquake has caused heartbreaking loss and damage. With over 1,600 lives lost, thousands injured, and many still missing, the affected areas face a long road to recovery. Local efforts, along with international help, are bringing hope to survivors as rescue and rebuilding continue.
