Myanmar earthquake: What we know

On March 28, 2025, Myanmar experienced a devastating earthquake that shook the nation and caused widespread destruction. The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7. 7, was felt not only in Myanmar but also in neighboring countries such as Thailand and parts of China. The military government of Myanmar reported that the earthquake has resulted in the tragic loss of over 1,700 lives, with more than 3,400 individuals injured. In Thailand, the earthquake also claimed at least 18 lives. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the events surrounding this natural disaster. The earthquake's epicenter was located approximately 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing, a city in Myanmar. Sagaing is situated near Mandalay, the second-largest city in the country, which has a population of around 1. 5 million people. The first tremor struck at approximately 12:50 PM local time, followed by a second earthquake just 12 minutes later, which measured 6. 4 in magnitude. Since the initial quake, numerous aftershocks have been recorded, with the most recent being a magnitude-5. 1 tremor felt north-west of Mandalay. Residents reported that this aftershock was the strongest they had experienced since the initial earthquake. The impact of the earthquake was severe, with roads buckled, bridges damaged, and many buildings reduced to rubble. The military government stated that 1,591 houses were damaged in the Mandalay region alone. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with many individuals still trapped under collapsed structures. Rescuers are working tirelessly, often using their bare hands to dig through the debris in search of survivors. The tremors were felt far beyond Myanmar's borders, with strong vibrations reported in Thailand and southwest China. In Bangkok, which is over 1,000 kilometers away from the epicenter, an unfinished high-rise building collapsed due to the earthquake's force. Videos captured the chaotic scene, showing water from rooftop pools spilling over the edges of swaying buildings. As the death toll continues to rise, the official count now stands at 1,700, with many fatalities occurring in Mandalay. Additionally, over 3,400 individuals have sustained injuries, and approximately 300 people remain unaccounted for. Experts from the US Geological Survey estimate that the death toll in Myanmar could exceed 10,000, with losses potentially surpassing the country's annual economic output. Rescue operations are still in progress, with teams in Mandalay reporting that they are digging through the rubble with their bare hands to locate survivors. In Thailand, 18 confirmed deaths have been reported, with many individuals still missing after the collapse of a high-rise building in Bangkok. Gathering accurate information from Myanmar has proven to be challenging due to the military government's control over the media since a coup in 2021. The state controls nearly all local radio, television, print, and online media, making it difficult for news to circulate. Internet access in the affected areas has been limited, and many residents are without electricity, further complicating communication efforts. Foreign journalists face significant restrictions in reporting from Myanmar, making it hard to obtain reliable information. In response to the disaster, some international aid has begun to arrive in Myanmar, primarily from neighboring countries such as China and India. The military authorities issued a rare appeal for assistance, prompting aid to be sent from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Russia. Rescuers from various countries have joined local efforts to locate and assist survivors. The Red Cross has issued an urgent appeal for $100 million to support relief efforts. The National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar announced that its armed wing, the People's Defence Force (PDF), will pause offensive military operations in earthquake-affected areas for two weeks, except for defensive actions. This decision aims to facilitate rescue efforts, but its effectiveness remains uncertain as many ethnic armed groups operate independently of the NUG. Meanwhile, the military junta has continued airstrikes in some regions, which the United Nations has condemned as completely unacceptable. Earthquakes occur due to the movement of tectonic plates that make up the Earth's crust. These plates can become stuck against each other, and when the pressure builds up, one plate can suddenly shift, causing an earthquake. The strength of an earthquake is measured on the Moment Magnitude Scale, which has replaced the older Richter scale. The earthquake in Myanmar, measuring 7. 7, is classified as a major earthquake and typically results in significant damage. The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued warnings regarding the potential for strong aftershocks in the affected areas. They advise individuals in Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos to monitor local media and follow the guidance of local authorities and tour operators. The FCDO has previously cautioned against travel to certain parts of Myanmar and all but essential travel to areas of Thailand and Laos due to security concerns. The situation in Myanmar remains volatile, and travel restrictions can be implemented at any time. This earthquake was relatively shallow, occurring at a depth of about 10 kilometers, which likely contributed to the extensive damage on the surface. In comparison, a massive earthquake in 2004 triggered a tsunami that devastated communities around the Indian Ocean, resulting in approximately 228,000 fatalities. The largest earthquake ever recorded occurred in Chile in 1960, measuring 9. 5 on the scale.