A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, causing widespread destruction and panic across the region. The earthquake's epicenter was located near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, intensifying its impact.
In Myanmar, numerous buildings in Mandalay collapsed, leading to significant casualties and trapping many individuals under debris. Several historic structures in the city, known for its cultural heritage, suffered severe damage. The military junta declared a state of emergency in six regions, including the capital Naypyitaw and Mandalay, to facilitate rescue and relief operations. Emergency teams have been deployed to assist in search-and-rescue efforts.
The tremors were felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand, approximately 800 miles from the epicenter, causing widespread panic. In the Thai capital, a high-rise building under construction collapsed, resulting in at least one death and trapping dozens of workers. Many residents and tourists evacuated buildings as authorities temporarily suspended metro and light rail services. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared a state of emergency in Bangkok and assured the public that relevant agencies were addressing the crisis while warning of potential aftershocks.
The earthquake also affected China's Yunnan province, where residents experienced strong tremors. Although no casualties were reported in China, the shaking alarmed many people.
Rescue operations are ongoing in all affected areas, with emergency services working tirelessly to locate and assist survivors. Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage and the number of casualties. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and prepared for aftershocks as the region recovers from the devastating earthquake.