Terrifying Tremors Rock Southeast Asia

On March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, near the city of Mandalay, sending shockwaves across the region, particularly impacting Thailand. With many feared dead, the disaster has prompted urgent rescue operations.

Casualties and Damage Reports

Initial reports indicate at least 20 fatalities in Myanmar and three in Thailand. The quake caused significant structural damage, leading to buildings collapsing in both countries. In Bangkok, a high-rise building under construction collapsed, trapping construction workers beneath the rubble.

The Myanmar military has reported, ‘many civilians were killed and injured’ as multiple structures failed in the quake’s aftermath.

Aftershocks and Continued Risk

Following the initial quake, a powerful aftershock with a magnitude of 6.4 was felt across the area, further complicating rescue efforts. Authorities warn citizens about potential aftershocks. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra noted, ‘It is now safe for everyone to return to their accommodations,’ but advised caution due to ongoing tremors.

Disaster Response Teams Mobilized

Rescue teams in both Myanmar and Thailand are working tirelessly to locate survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures. The situation in Myanmar is particularly dire as the country’s weak infrastructure and ongoing civil strife hinder effective disaster response. ‘We anticipate the impact to be quite large,’ warned Manrique from the Red Cross.

Geological Context

The earthquake originated from the Sagaing Fault, a major geological boundary where significant seismic activity is not uncommon. According to experts, this quake is among the most powerful to hit the region in recent times, escalating concerns about aftershocks.

Dr. Bill McGuire noted, ‘The shaking intensity, coupled with the quake’s shallow depth at just 10 km, could escalate casualty numbers significantly.’

Witness Accounts

Eyewitness reports reflect chaos and panic as tremors rocked buildings and streets. One Bangkok resident described the scene: ‘Nobody was driving orderly, and then we just saw the collapse of the building right in front of us.’

Outlook and Community Response

As rescue operations continue, humanitarian agencies are mobilizing support to assist the affected populations in Myanmar and Thailand, where community resilience is vital. The Red Cross and various NGOs are on the ground, eager to provide necessary aid and support.