BREAKING: Powerful 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Devastates Myanmar, Shakes Bangkok – Death Toll Surges, Rescue Efforts Underway

Bangkok, Thailand – A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, sending shockwaves across Southeast Asia and causing widespread devastation. The quake, which originated near Mandalay, Myanmar, was felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand, where significant structural damage and casualties have been reported. The disaster has prompted an urgent response from emergency services and international aid organizations as rescue efforts continue.

Impact in Myanmar

The earthquake has taken a heavy toll on Myanmar, with officials reporting at least 1,644 fatalities, 3,408 injuries, and 139 people still missing. The hardest-hit regions include Mandalay, Sagaing, and Naypyidaw, where buildings, bridges, and infrastructure collapsed under the force of the quake. Entire villages have been reduced to rubble, and rescue workers are struggling to reach survivors in remote areas.

Myanmar’s ruling military junta has declared a state of emergency, deploying thousands of troops and emergency personnel to assist in search and rescue operations. Reports indicate that hospitals are overwhelmed with injured victims, and makeshift medical centers have been set up to provide urgent care.

International aid organizations, including the United Nations and the Red Cross, have mobilized relief efforts, delivering food, water, and medical supplies to affected regions. However, logistical challenges and damaged roads have slowed the distribution of essential resources.

Bangkok and Thailand’s Response

In Thailand, the earthquake’s impact was particularly severe in Bangkok, where high-rise buildings swayed violently, sending residents rushing into the streets in fear. The tremors led to the collapse of a 30-story building under construction in the Chatuchak district, resulting in at least seven confirmed deaths and numerous injuries.

Authorities have reported a total of 10 fatalities and at least 68 injuries across Thailand due to the earthquake. Public transportation systems, including the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway, were temporarily halted for inspections, while emergency teams assessed infrastructure damage. Several older buildings in the city center have been deemed unsafe, prompting evacuations and structural assessments by engineers.

Thailand’s Prime Minister has expressed condolences to those affected and assured the public that the government is working closely with rescue teams to provide immediate assistance. Emergency hotlines have been set up for those in need of aid, and shelters have been opened for displaced residents.

Rescue and Recovery Efforts

As search and rescue operations continue, teams are racing against time to locate survivors trapped under rubble. In Myanmar, heavy machinery is being used to clear debris, while emergency responders sift through collapsed structures in search of those still missing.

Thailand’s emergency response teams have also deployed search dogs and specialized equipment to locate survivors in affected areas of Bangkok and other regions impacted by the quake. Hospitals are on high alert, treating those with severe injuries and preparing for possible aftershocks.

International Assistance and Support

The global community has responded to the crisis with pledges of humanitarian aid. China, Russia, the United States, and several ASEAN nations have sent rescue teams, medical supplies, and financial assistance to Myanmar and Thailand. Humanitarian organizations are calling for additional donations to support relief efforts in the devastated areas.

With aftershocks expected in the coming days, officials are urging residents to remain cautious and prepared for further tremors. The death toll is likely to rise as more bodies are recovered from collapsed buildings, making this one of the deadliest earthquakes to hit the region in recent years.

As Southeast Asia grapples with the aftermath of this devastating quake, the focus remains on rescue efforts and providing relief to the thousands of victims affected by the disaster. More updates are expected as authorities continue to assess the full scale of the damage.