Staff Reports
A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand on March 28, 2025, leaving a trail of destruction and heartbreak across the region. Centered in Myanmar’s Sagaing Region near Mandalay, the quake caused widespread damage, collapsing buildings, bridges, and critical infrastructure. The tremors were felt as far away as Bangkok, Thailand, where an under-construction high-rise crumbled, highlighting the far-reaching impact of this natural disaster. With over 3,000 confirmed fatalities and thousands more injured or missing across both nations, the earthquake stands as one of the deadliest in Southeast Asia’s recent history.
Myanmar bore the brunt of the disaster, with entire communities in the Sagaing Region reduced to rubble. The collapse of a school and apartment buildings in Mandalay trapped scores of residents under debris, while damage to a critical bridge over the Irrawaddy River has left many areas isolated. Rescue efforts have been hampered by Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict, which has strained communication networks and emergency services. Despite these challenges, international aid has begun to arrive following an unusual request for assistance from Myanmar’s military junta. Neighboring countries and global organizations have sent rescue teams and supplies to assist in what is being described as a monumental humanitarian effort.
In Thailand, the earthquake’s effects were most acutely felt in Bangkok due to the city’s soft soil amplifying seismic waves. An unfinished 30-story government office building collapsed dramatically, killing at least 18 people and leaving dozens more trapped beneath the wreckage. Rescue teams have detected faint signs of life but face significant obstacles in their efforts to recover survivors. The Thai government has declared a state of emergency in affected areas and launched investigations into possible structural flaws in the collapsed high-rise. Meanwhile, thousands of displaced residents have sought refuge in city parks and emergency shelters.
The earthquake has also highlighted vulnerabilities across the region. Myanmar’s fragile infrastructure and ongoing political instability have exacerbated the disaster’s impact, leaving many without access to food, water, or medical care. In Bangkok, criticism has emerged over delays in issuing earthquake warnings and concerns about building safety standards. Experts warn that aftershocks—some already recorded at magnitudes above 6—could further complicate rescue operations and recovery efforts in both countries.
Amidst the destruction, stories of resilience and heroism have emerged. In Mandalay, 29 individuals were rescued from a collapsed apartment building after hours of painstaking effort by local fire services. In Bangkok, emergency responders worked tirelessly to assist those trapped under debris while volunteers provided aid to displaced families. These acts of courage underscore the strength of communities rallying together during times of crisis.
As rescue operations continue and aftershocks persist, both Myanmar and Thailand face an uphill battle toward recovery. The international community has pledged support for rebuilding efforts, but with thousands still missing and infrastructure severely damaged, the road ahead will be long and arduous. For now, the focus remains on saving lives and providing relief to those affected by this catastrophic event.
