Big Magnitude-7.7 Earthquake Hits Myanmar

Date: March 28, 2025

Magnitude-7.7 Earthquake Rocks Myanmar, Tremors Felt Across Region

A devastating magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025. It caused widespread damage and sent tremors across Southeast Asia and beyond. The epicenter was just 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing, near Mandalay. The quake hit at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, which amplified its destructive power. The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake occurred at 12:50 p.m. local time. A 6.4-magnitude aftershock followed just 12 minutes later.

Widespread Damage in Myanmar

In Myanmar, the shallow quake caused significant destruction, particularly in Mandalay, the nation’s second-largest city with over 1.5 million residents. Buildings collapsed, and the historic Ava Bridge over the Irrawaddy River fell into the water. In the capital, Naypyidaw, roads cracked, religious shrines were damaged, and a major 1,000-bed hospital became a hub for the injured. Myanmar’s military junta declared an emergency in Sagaing, Mandalay, and Naypyidaw, issuing a rare call for international assistance.

Reports from Yangon, 380 miles from the epicenter, described intense shaking lasting three to four minutes, with residents evacuating unstable structures. Phone lines were down for about 30 minutes; however, internet access remained stable. So far, at least four deaths have been confirmed, including three from a mosque collapse in the Bago region. Nevertheless, the full extent of the toll remains unclear, as ongoing conflict and communication issues continue to hinder updates.

Regional Impact

The earthquake’s effects rippled far beyond Myanmar, shaking Thailand, China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and parts of India. In Bangkok, over 1,000 kilometers away, high-rise buildings swayed, rooftop pools overflowed, and a 30-story skyscraper under construction near Chatuchak Park collapsed, killing at least one person and injuring dozens. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared Bangkok an “emergency zone” as rescue efforts continue.

Caption: Devastation caused by the magnitude-7.7 earthquake in Myanmar. (Image source: TBD)

Ongoing Response

As emergency response teams mobilize, the region braces for aftershocks and assesses the full scope of the disaster. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.

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