A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday afternoon, causing massive destruction and killing more than 1,000 people. The aftershock, recorded at 6.7-magnitude, followed shortly after, worsening the damage.
The quake caused buildings to collapse, roads to crack, and bridges to fall, especially in the Sagaing region and the country’s second-largest city, Mandalay. With communications disrupted across much of Myanmar, the real scale of the disaster is still unclear and the death toll is expected to rise.
Deaths Reported in Myanmar and Thailand
According to the ruling Myanmar junta, at least 1,002 people have died and 2,376 have been injured, mostly in Mandalay. Additionally, about 10 people died in Bangkok, Thailand, where a 30-storey building under construction collapsed due to the tremors.
In Bangkok, emergency workers worked overnight to search for survivors among the rubble. Reports suggest that up to 100 workers are still missing near the Chatuchak market, a popular tourist spot. The city received over 2,000 reports of damage, and more than 100 engineers have been sent to inspect buildings.
Hospitals Evacuated, Operations Moved Outdoors
The quake was so strong it shook buildings in Bangkok, nearly 1,000 kilometers from the epicenter. Some dramatic images showed rooftop swimming pools spilling over, and hospitals had to be evacuated.
One woman gave birth outside a hospital, while a surgeon reportedly finished an operation outdoors after safely moving the patient.
Worst Damage in Myanmar Amid Civil War Struggles
In Myanmar, which is already suffering from a four-year civil war following a military coup, the earthquake has overwhelmed the healthcare system. With many hospitals damaged, wounded people are being treated in open spaces.
A rescue worker in Amarapura, near Mandalay, said 30 bodies had been pulled from collapsed apartment buildings. He described the town as “a collapsed city”, estimating that 20% of buildings were destroyed.
Witnesses in Pyigyitagon township, Mandalay, reported more people trapped and feared dead after a construction building collapsed.
Myanmar Declares State of Emergency, Asks for Aid
In a rare move, the junta leader Min Aung Hlaing issued an international appeal for aid, something previous military governments had avoided even during major disasters.
A state of emergency has been declared in six worst-hit regions, including Mandalay and Sagaing. Satellite images and photos show many buildings in Mandalay reduced to rubble, including mosques, hospitals, and hotels.
Global Response Begins
President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday that the United States will offer aid to Myanmar.
“It’s terrible. It’s a real bad one, and we will be helping,” Trump said from the Oval Office.
Other countries and organizations offering help include:
- India, France, and the European Union
- China, with President Xi Jinping sending condolences
- The World Health Organization (WHO), which is preparing emergency medical supplies
Summary Table
| Event | Massive Earthquake in Myanmar |
|---|---|
| Magnitude | 7.7 (main quake), 6.7 (aftershock) |
| Death Toll | Over 1,000 in Myanmar, 10 in Bangkok |
| Worst-Affected Areas | Mandalay, Sagaing, Bangkok |
| Rescue Efforts | Ongoing, with hundreds still trapped |
| International Aid | US, India, EU, China, WHO |
| State of Emergency | Declared in six regions |
| Date of Earthquake | March 29, 2025 |