RNS: A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday at 12:50 p.m. local time (06.20 GMT), followed by a strong aftershock measuring 6.8. The powerful tremors were felt far beyond the epicenter, reaching as far as Bangkok, Thailand’s capital.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the epicenter was located 16 kilometers northwest of the city of Sagaing, at a depth of 10 kilometers.
The earthquake caused widespread devastation, with reports of significant damage in several cities, including Mandalay, the former royal capital of Myanmar, which is home to around 1.5 million people.
Mandalay, renowned for its historic temples and palaces, was heavily affected, with parts of the Mandalay Palace severely damaged. In Sagaing Township, a bridge was destroyed, and multiple high-rise buildings in Mandalay collapsed, leaving many feared trapped under the debris. The exact number of casualties remains unclear, though authorities anticipate a high toll.
🚨 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Mandalay, Myanmar
Multiple buildings destroyed in devastating quake.#Myanmar #Earthquake #แผ่นดินไหว pic.twitter.com/fgQTBlUqjw
— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) March 28, 2025
In addition to the widespread destruction in Myanmar, the tremors also impacted neighboring regions. Several aftershocks, including one registering 6.4 in magnitude, have been reported in the area. The effects were felt as far as parts of China, with Myanmar’s military junta declaring a state of emergency across central regions, including Mandalay and the capital Naypyidaw.
In Thailand, the earthquake caused chaos in Bangkok, where an under-construction building collapsed, killing at least one person and injuring 50 others. Tremors sparked panic across the city, with people evacuating buildings and several businesses temporarily closing as a precaution.
The Thai Meteorological Department confirmed that the tremors were felt throughout the country, with Bangkok experiencing the most severe impact. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has convened an urgent meeting to assess the damage and coordinate a response.
Earthquake sum up 3pm (Mynamar/Thailand)
– 7.7 quake hit near Mandalay/Myanmar
– Hundreds of homes collapsed (various Myanmar cities)
– Strong shocks in Thailand + multiple building collapse in Bangkok
– USGS predicts thousands of people dead(Bangkok clips from social media:) pic.twitter.com/kJodTn6BIg
— Florian Witulski (@vaitor) March 28, 2025
The earthquake, which struck in a region known for its seismic activity, has raised concerns about the preparedness of both Myanmar and neighboring countries for such natural disasters.
Myanmar’s military junta has pledged to provide emergency relief, while Thailand’s government has declared an “emergency zone” in the capital as rescue operations continue.
The situation remains fluid, with authorities in both countries working to assess the full extent of the damage and provide assistance to affected areas.
