A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, 28-3-2025, leaving widespread destruction and casualties across the region. The tremors were felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand, where a high-rise building under construction collapsed, trapping dozens of workers.
The earthquake’s epicenter was near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, where several buildings, including a mosque and a monastery, crumbled. Officials fear a significant death toll, with early estimates suggesting thousands could be affected. Myanmar’s ruling junta has declared a state of emergency in six regions and is calling for international assistance.
In Thailand, the quake triggered panic in Bangkok, causing severe structural damage. At least three people have been confirmed dead, with rescue teams working to free those trapped in the rubble of the collapsed high-rise in the Chatuchak district.
The United States Geological Survey issued a red alert, predicting potential fatalities between 1,000 and 10,000. Efforts to assess the full extent of the disaster are being hampered by downed power lines and the risk of aftershocks.
As rescue operations continue, authorities in both Myanmar and Thailand have urged residents to stay alert. The international community has started offering aid, but the scale of devastation suggests a long and difficult road to recovery.
