A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, causing widespread devastation and loss of life across Southeast Asia.
The epicenter was near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, resulting in significant casualties and infrastructure damage.
As of March 30, the death toll in Myanmar has surpassed 1,600, with more than 3,400 injured and many others reported missing, according to Reuters.
In neighboring Thailand, the earthquake’s impact was also severe.
Videos posted to social media showed Bangkok experiencing the collapse of a skyscraper under construction, leading to at least 18 fatalities and numerous people trapped under the rubble.
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Tremors were felt as far as Chiang Mai and Phuket, causing widespread panic and evacuations, according to The Guardian.
The earthquake’s shallow depth and proximity to densely populated areas contributed to its destructiveness.
Critical infrastructure, including bridges, highways, and airports, has been damaged, complicating rescue and relief efforts.
The ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar has further hampered the coordination and delivery of aid.
International assistance has begun to arrive, with countries such as China, India, and the United States sending search and rescue teams, medical supplies, and financial aid.
Despite these efforts, there remains a severe shortage of medical supplies, including trauma kits and essential medicines, in the affected regions, according to the Associated Press.
The humanitarian crisis continues to unfold, with thousands displaced and in urgent need of shelter, food, and medical care.
Authorities warn that the death toll may rise as search and rescue operations continue amid aftershocks and challenging conditions.