Severe Earthquake Strikes Myanmar, Death Toll Exceeds 1,600
A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake causes widespread devastation across Myanmar and neighboring Southeast Asian countries, with rescue efforts ongoing amid a humanitarian crisis.
On March 28, 2025, a powerful earthquake registering 7.7 on the Richter scale struck central Myanmar, particularly impacting the vicinity of Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city.
As of the latest reports, over 1,600 individuals have died, with the Myanmar military-led government confirming 1,644 fatalities and more than 3,400 injuries.
Additionally, authorities reported that 139 people are still missing, raising concerns that the casualty figures may continue to rise as rescue operations progress.
The earthquake was felt across several Southeast Asian nations including Thailand, where the earthquake triggered a partial building collapse in Bangkok, resulting in at least ten fatalities and many injuries.
Meanwhile, in nearby countries such as China, India, and Vietnam, tremors were also reported.
In Thailand, a construction site accident claimed six lives, and at least 47 individuals were reported missing.
Rescue teams in Bangkok are engaged in recovery efforts at the site of the collapsed structures, with authorities suggesting that more survivors could still be trapped under the rubble.
Following the initial quake, a secondary, less intense earthquake struck shortly thereafter, further complicating rescue efforts.
The destruction in Myanmar has prompted a state of emergency to be declared in six regions, impacting an already complex humanitarian situation exacerbated by ongoing civil conflict in the country.
Efforts to provide assistance are hampered due to the hazardous conditions and violent unrest which have characterized Myanmar in recent years.
Reports indicate significant economic repercussions from the earthquake, with estimates suggesting potential damage equivalent to up to 70% of Myanmar’s GDP, around $36 billion.
Satellite imagery revealed extensive damage, including the collapse of the air traffic control tower at Naypyitaw International Airport.
International aid has begun to arrive, with a 37-member team from China’s Yunnan province reaching Yangon with equipment and supplies for disaster recovery.
Additional support has been promised from Russia, India, and Malaysia, including search and rescue teams, medical personnel, and essential resources.
The United Nations emergency relief coordinator has allocated $5 million to assist recovery efforts in the affected areas, as the international community mobilizes to address the crisis.
In Mandalay, damage was extensive, including destruction to the former royal palace and various religious sites.
A notable collapse occurred in the Sagaing region, where a 90-year-old bridge fell.
Major General Zaw Min Tun, a spokesperson for the military government, reported a critical demand for blood donations to support hospitals inundated with victims.
As rescue operations continue, humanitarian agencies are revamping efforts to assess the immediate needs of affected populations.
The pre-existing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, with nearly 20 million individuals needing assistance and over 3.5 million displaced, raises additional challenges for response teams amid this disaster.
As of the latest reports, over 1,600 individuals have died, with the Myanmar military-led government confirming 1,644 fatalities and more than 3,400 injuries.
Additionally, authorities reported that 139 people are still missing, raising concerns that the casualty figures may continue to rise as rescue operations progress.
The earthquake was felt across several Southeast Asian nations including Thailand, where the earthquake triggered a partial building collapse in Bangkok, resulting in at least ten fatalities and many injuries.
Meanwhile, in nearby countries such as China, India, and Vietnam, tremors were also reported.
In Thailand, a construction site accident claimed six lives, and at least 47 individuals were reported missing.
Rescue teams in Bangkok are engaged in recovery efforts at the site of the collapsed structures, with authorities suggesting that more survivors could still be trapped under the rubble.
Following the initial quake, a secondary, less intense earthquake struck shortly thereafter, further complicating rescue efforts.
The destruction in Myanmar has prompted a state of emergency to be declared in six regions, impacting an already complex humanitarian situation exacerbated by ongoing civil conflict in the country.
Efforts to provide assistance are hampered due to the hazardous conditions and violent unrest which have characterized Myanmar in recent years.
Reports indicate significant economic repercussions from the earthquake, with estimates suggesting potential damage equivalent to up to 70% of Myanmar’s GDP, around $36 billion.
Satellite imagery revealed extensive damage, including the collapse of the air traffic control tower at Naypyitaw International Airport.
International aid has begun to arrive, with a 37-member team from China’s Yunnan province reaching Yangon with equipment and supplies for disaster recovery.
Additional support has been promised from Russia, India, and Malaysia, including search and rescue teams, medical personnel, and essential resources.
The United Nations emergency relief coordinator has allocated $5 million to assist recovery efforts in the affected areas, as the international community mobilizes to address the crisis.
In Mandalay, damage was extensive, including destruction to the former royal palace and various religious sites.
A notable collapse occurred in the Sagaing region, where a 90-year-old bridge fell.
Major General Zaw Min Tun, a spokesperson for the military government, reported a critical demand for blood donations to support hospitals inundated with victims.
As rescue operations continue, humanitarian agencies are revamping efforts to assess the immediate needs of affected populations.
The pre-existing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, with nearly 20 million individuals needing assistance and over 3.5 million displaced, raises additional challenges for response teams amid this disaster.
