(Image source from: x.com/ani_digital)
At 12:50 PM local time on Friday, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake occurred in central Myanmar, followed by an aftershock measuring 6.8. According to the United States Geological Survey, the epicenter was located 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Local media reports indicate that 20 fatalities have been documented in Myanmar thus far. Among the dead are individuals from a mosque in Mandalay that collapsed during prayers and a university building which experienced a fire. Additionally, a 1,000-bed hospital in Naypyidaw, the capital city, has been designated as a "mass casualty area," as reported by AFP. In response, the military government of Myanmar has declared a state of 'emergency' and is seeking international assistance.
#WATCH | Thailand | An earthquake of 7.7 magnitude on the Richter scale hit 16 km NNW of Sagaing of Myanmar today, as per the USGS; tremors felt in Bangkok too.
— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2025
Visuals from Thailand where buildings have been evacuated, cracks seen on floors of the buildings; distressed people… pic.twitter.com/1gX4mWdgBJ
Tremors from the earthquake were felt as far away as northern Thailand, prompting the suspension of some metro and rail services in Bangkok. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra convened an "urgent meeting" to address the situation and also announced a state of 'emergency' in Bangkok. The China Earthquake Networks Center reported strong tremors in Yunnan Province, China, stating a magnitude of 7.9, while mild tremors of 4.4 were felt in Kolkata and Manipur, as well as in Dhaka and Chattogram, Bangladesh.
#WATCH | Locals in Mandalay, Myanmar carry out rescue efforts at the debris of buildings that have collapsed here due to a 7.7 magnitude earthquake. pic.twitter.com/wvck2FafbO
— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2025
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed India's readiness to provide assistance, stating on X, "Praying for the safety and wellbeing of everyone," and has instructed officials to be prepared. Disturbing footage shared on X captured buildings swaying in Bangkok and other cities, with emergency evacuations occurring in panic. Duangjai, a resident of Chiang Mai, reported to AFP, "I heard it... I was sleeping in the house and then I ran as far as I could in my pajamas out of the building." One particularly unsettling clip depicted water cascading from an infinity pool, while another showcased an under-construction skyscraper collapsing in Bangkok’s Chatuchak area, trapping 43 workers under the wreckage. Worapat Sukthai, the deputy police chief of Bang Sue district, recounted, "When I arrived to inspect the site, I heard people calling for help, saying help me. We estimate that hundreds of people are injured, but we are still determining the number of casualties." In Myanmar, old structures, including a bridge over the Irrawaddy River and various residential buildings, have collapsed, with visual evidence from Mandalay suggesting that more individuals may be trapped.
Concerned by the situation in the wake of the Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Praying for the safety and wellbeing of everyone. India stands ready to offer all possible assistance. In this regard, asked our authorities to be on standby. Also asked the MEA to remain in touch…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 28, 2025
Moreover, additional videos have highlighted significant damage to the airport in Mandalay and to a monastery near Taunggyi in Shan State, which borders Thailand. Earthquakes in Myanmar are not uncommon; six powerful quakes exceeding a magnitude of 7.0 occurred between 1930 and 1956 along the Sagaing Fault, which runs the length of the country. In 2016, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck in the historic city of Bagan, resulting in three fatalities and causing damage to spires and temple walls at this tourist site.
(Video Source: ANI News)
