The quake has left at least 20 dead in Mandalay, with significant destruction reported in various regions, including Thailand.
**Severe Earthquake Hits Myanmar, Claiming Lives and Causing Extensive Damage**
**Severe Earthquake Hits Myanmar, Claiming Lives and Causing Extensive Damage**
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake has struck Myanmar, resulting in numerous casualties and havoc across Southeast Asia.
March 28, 2025, 5:50 a.m. ET - A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, at approximately 12:50 p.m. local time, causing catastrophic damage and claiming lives across Southeast Asia. Reports indicate that the earthquake has resulted in at least 20 fatalities in Myanmar alone, with three deaths also confirmed in Bangkok, Thailand.
The tremor, which occurred at a shallow depth of about six miles, was followed by a significant aftershock of 6.4-magnitude just 12 minutes later. The impact was felt widely, with swelling streets in Bangkok as people evacuated buildings in fear of further quakes. In Mandalay, chaotic scenes unfolded as injured residents were rushed to Mandalay General Hospital, where an influx of patients forced many to seek refuge in a nearby parking lot, still connected to medical equipment.
The earthquake left a visible toll in Mandalay with numerous buildings damaged or collapsed, including reports of the Ava Bridge plunging into the Irrawaddy River. In Naypyidaw, Myanmar's capital, significant damage to infrastructure was also reported. Despite ongoing civil conflicts in Myanmar, emergency response efforts are in motion, but difficulties in accessing affected areas remain due to downed power and communication lines.
In Thailand, the tremors led to the collapse of a high-rise skyscraper still under construction, with rescue teams racing to reach potentially trapped workers. As of now, authorities are on high alert, declaring Bangkok an emergency zone while rescue operations continue to manage subsequent dangers posed by aftershocks. Videos circulating on social media depict water surging from swimming pools atop buildings, illustrating the quake's widespread effect.
Furthermore, tremors were felt across borders, prompting alerts in neighboring regions including Bangladesh and Vietnam, although casualty reports remain scarce. As recovery operations progress, officials continue to monitor the situation, aiming to assist and salvage what they can in the aftermath of this devastating seismic event.
The tremor, which occurred at a shallow depth of about six miles, was followed by a significant aftershock of 6.4-magnitude just 12 minutes later. The impact was felt widely, with swelling streets in Bangkok as people evacuated buildings in fear of further quakes. In Mandalay, chaotic scenes unfolded as injured residents were rushed to Mandalay General Hospital, where an influx of patients forced many to seek refuge in a nearby parking lot, still connected to medical equipment.
The earthquake left a visible toll in Mandalay with numerous buildings damaged or collapsed, including reports of the Ava Bridge plunging into the Irrawaddy River. In Naypyidaw, Myanmar's capital, significant damage to infrastructure was also reported. Despite ongoing civil conflicts in Myanmar, emergency response efforts are in motion, but difficulties in accessing affected areas remain due to downed power and communication lines.
In Thailand, the tremors led to the collapse of a high-rise skyscraper still under construction, with rescue teams racing to reach potentially trapped workers. As of now, authorities are on high alert, declaring Bangkok an emergency zone while rescue operations continue to manage subsequent dangers posed by aftershocks. Videos circulating on social media depict water surging from swimming pools atop buildings, illustrating the quake's widespread effect.
Furthermore, tremors were felt across borders, prompting alerts in neighboring regions including Bangladesh and Vietnam, although casualty reports remain scarce. As recovery operations progress, officials continue to monitor the situation, aiming to assist and salvage what they can in the aftermath of this devastating seismic event.
