A strong earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, March 28, 2025, with tremors felt as far as neighboring countries. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.7 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter located 16 km (10 miles) northwest of Sagaing at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).
Widespread Impact in Myanmar
The quake’s epicenter was approximately 17.2 km (10.7 miles) from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, home to a population of 1.5 million. Reports indicate a strong aftershock followed the initial tremor.
Images and videos circulating on social media show collapsed buildings and debris-strewn streets in Mandalay. A spokesperson for Myanmar’s Fire Services Department told Reuters:
“We have begun search and rescue operations in and around Yangon, assessing casualties and damage. So far, no official data has been received.”
A local eyewitness described the terrifying moment:
“When everything started shaking, we ran outside. I saw a five-story building collapse right in front of me. Everyone in my city is now on the streets—no one dares to go back inside.”
Earthquake Felt in Thailand and China
The tremors were strongly felt in Bangkok, Thailand, where hotel guests, some dressed in bathrobes and swimsuits, fled into the streets in panic. Witnesses reported that a skyscraper in downtown Bangkok swayed for at least two minutes, with creaking doors and rattling windows.
At around 1:30 PM, loud creaking sounds were heard in many buildings. In Bangkok’s central district, residents of high-rise apartments and hotels evacuated via stairwells and remained in open spaces to avoid potential aftershocks.
No immediate reports of casualties emerged, but local media confirmed at least 43 people trapped inside a collapsed building in Bangkok. The tremors were so intense that water overflowed from rooftop swimming pools in high-rise buildings.
In Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, eyewitnesses reported mass evacuations as people rushed out of buildings. The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) confirmed that the quake was shallow, with a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).
Structural Damage Across Multiple Countries
The earthquake’s impact extended beyond Myanmar:
- Thailand and China’s Yunnan province also felt the tremors.
- In Bangkok, emergency teams were seen rescuing trapped individuals from a collapsed building, as captured in viral social media videos.
- Roads cracked in Myanmar’s capital, Naypyidaw, while structural damage was reported in Thailand and China.
Mandalay, a historic cultural and religious hub, was particularly affected. Myanmar sits on the seismically active “Ring of Fire”, a region prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
One of the Strongest Earthquakes in Recent History
This 7.7-magnitude earthquake is among the strongest in the region in recent years, with the potential to cause significant destruction. Authorities across Myanmar, Thailand, and China are currently assessing the full extent of the damage and casualties.
Governments and disaster management agencies are on high alert, urging residents to stay vigilant and prepared for potential aftershocks.