A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, March 28, 2025, sending shockwaves across the region and causing significant damage in both Myanmar and neighboring Thailand. The quake, centered near Mandalay, Myanmar, has left a trail of destruction, with collapsed buildings, casualties, and widespread panic.
The earthquake, one of the strongest to hit the region in decades, prompted Myanmar’s military government to declare a state of emergency across six regions. Reports from the affected areas indicate severe structural damage, with buildings collapsing and roads cracking. In Taungoo, a mosque crumbled, claiming the lives of at least three people. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to search for survivors amidst the rubble, but the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed local authorities.
The tremors were felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand, where the quake caused significant disruption. A high-rise building under construction in the Thai capital collapsed, trapping at least 81 workers. Rescue operations are underway, with emergency services working to free those still buried under the debris. Initial reports suggest multiple fatalities, though the exact number remains unclear.
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| Rescuers are working at the site of a collapsed high-rise building under construction in Bangkok, Thailand, following a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake on Friday, March 28, 2025. Wason Wanichakorn/The AP |
Residents in Bangkok reported intense shaking, with many fleeing their homes and offices in fear of further collapses. Authorities have urged caution, warning that many buildings may have sustained structural damage and could be unsafe.
The earthquake has prompted a coordinated regional response, with neighboring countries offering assistance to Myanmar and Thailand. International aid organizations are mobilizing resources to provide relief to the affected areas. The disaster has highlighted the vulnerability of the region to seismic activity, raising concerns about building safety and disaster preparedness.
As rescue operations continue, authorities are focusing on locating survivors and providing medical care to the injured. The full extent of the damage and the number of casualties are still being assessed, but it is clear that the earthquake has caused significant loss of life and property.
With aftershocks still being felt, experts are urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and avoid damaged structures.