A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. The quake’s epicenter was near Monywa, approximately 17 kilometers from Mandalay, leading to significant damage in several regions.
Impact in Myanmar:
- Casualties and Damage: In Mandalay, numerous buildings collapsed, including a mosque where at least 20 people were reported dead. citeturn0search21 The capital city, Naypyidaw, experienced infrastructural damage such as deformed roads and partially collapsed ceilings. Additionally, the Sagaing Bridge suffered structural failure.
- State of Emergency: The ruling military junta declared a state of emergency in six regions: Sagaing, Mandalay, Bago, Magway, Shan State, and Naypyidaw. An unusual appeal for international humanitarian aid was also issued.
Impact in Thailand:
- Bangkok: The earthquake’s tremors were strongly felt in Bangkok, causing buildings to sway and inducing widespread panic. A 30-story government office under construction in the Chatuchak district collapsed, resulting in at least three deaths and leaving approximately 90 individuals missing. Metro and light rail services were partially suspended, and trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand was halted.
- Disaster Declaration: Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt declared the city a disaster area, and emergency response teams were mobilized to assist in rescue operations.
Regional Effects:
- China: In Yunnan province, bordering Myanmar, the earthquake was strongly felt, causing injuries and property damage in cities like Ruili. citeturn0search20
- India: Tremors were experienced in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) around 11:50 AM IST, prompting evacuations. Northeastern states, particularly Meghalaya, reported noticeable aftershocks
- Bangladesh and Vietnam: Cities including Dhaka and Hanoi felt the tremors, leading to evacuations as a precautionary measure.
Response and Relief Efforts:
- International Aid: France and the European Union have expressed readiness to provide support. citeturn0news14 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered assistance, emphasizing solidarity with the affected nations.
- Rescue Operations: In both Myanmar and Thailand, emergency services are conducting search and rescue missions. Efforts are particularly focused on locating individuals trapped under collapsed structures, such as the high-rise in Bangkok.
The full extent of the disaster is still unfolding, and authorities continue to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts.
France also said on Friday it stood ready to provide support after a powerful earthquake hit Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand, adding that its diplomatic premises in the Thai capital had been evacuated, reports Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Earlier, European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen said the EU stood ready to help (see 11.22am GMT).
“We are ready to provide support as soon as the need has been expressed and we have evacuated our premises in Bangkok to guard against any form of risk,” said foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who was in Shanghai on Friday, referring to the French embassy, schools, and other buildings.