Southeast Asia Earthquake: Myanmar and Thailand Hit Hard
On March 28, 2025, Southeast Asia was rocked by a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake, with its epicenter located near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. The powerful earthquake, followed by a significant 6.4-magnitude aftershock just minutes later, sent shockwaves across the region, leaving a trail of destruction in Myanmar and Thailand. As the dust settles and rescue efforts intensify, the full scope of this disaster is only beginning to emerge, revealing the vulnerability of these nations to natural calamities and the resilience of their people in the face of tragedy.
A Region Shaken
The earthquake struck at approximately 1:20 p.m. local time in Myanmar, originating at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) along the Sagaing Fault, a major tectonic boundary that runs through central Myanmar. This fault, formed millions of years ago by the collision of the Indian subcontinent with Asia, is no stranger to seismic activity. However, the sheer power of this earthquake—coupled with its shallow depth—amplified its destructive force, causing widespread earthquake damage across hundreds of miles.
In Myanmar, the impact was immediate and severe. Mandalay, a bustling city of nearly 1.5 million people, bore the brunt of the temblor. Reports indicate that buildings collapsed, bridges buckled, and roads cracked open, with the iconic 90-year-old Ava Bridge crumbling into the Irrawaddy River. The capital, Naypyidaw, also sustained significant damage, with religious shrines and homes reduced to rubble. Myanmar’s military government swiftly declared a state of emergency across six regions, a rare move that underscores the scale of the crisis in a country already grappling with over four years of civil war following a 2021 coup.
Across the border in Thailand, the tremors were felt as far as Bangkok, over 1,000 kilometers from the epicenter. The Thai capital, unaccustomed to such intense seismic activity, descended into chaos as a 30-story skyscraper under construction collapsed, killing at least three people and trapping dozens of workers beneath the debris. Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared Bangkok an “emergency zone,” urging calm as rescue teams worked tirelessly to free those still buried. The Stock Exchange of Thailand suspended trading, and the city’s metro and rail services ground to a halt, reflecting the widespread disruption.
A Human Toll Still Unfolding
As of now, casualty figures remain fluid, with estimates varying widely due to the challenges of communication and access in the affected areas. In Myanmar, state media reported at least 144 deaths and over 700 injuries, though the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has forecasted a grim possibility of thousands of fatalities based on the earthquake’s strength and the region’s dense population centers. Hospitals in Naypyidaw and Mandalay have been overwhelmed, with one doctor in the capital describing the scene as a “mass casualty area,” where at least 20 people arrived dead and many more required urgent care.
In Thailand, the collapse of the Bangkok high-rise has claimed at least five lives, with 81 workers still unaccounted for as of the latest updates. Videos circulating online show water spilling from rooftop pools in high-rise hotels and residential towers, while terrified residents flooded the streets, fearing aftershocks. The emotional toll was palpable, with one Bangkok resident recalling racing downstairs in a panic, joining countless others unsure of what was happening.
The Golden Triangle region—encompassing parts of Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos—likely felt the earthquake’s effects as well, though details from these remote, mountainous areas remain scarce. Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict and Thailand’s rapid urbanization have complicated efforts to assess the full extent of the damage, leaving many communities cut off from immediate aid.
Vulnerability Exposed
This earthquake has laid bare the structural and systemic vulnerabilities of both Myanmar and Thailand. In Myanmar, rapid urbanization has outpaced safety measures, with many buildings in cities like Yangon and Mandalay constructed without regard for seismic risks. The United Nations Development Programme has long warned that the country’s infrastructure is ill-prepared for large-scale disasters, a situation exacerbated by its status as one of Asia’s poorest nations. The collapse of the Ava Bridge and damage to highways connecting Mandalay to Yangon highlight how decades of neglect and conflict have weakened critical infrastructure.
Thailand, while more developed, faced its challenges. The collapse of the Bangkok skyscraper under construction raises questions about building codes and safety standards in a city where high-rises have become symbols of modernity. The fact that tremors were felt so strongly over such a vast distance underscores the quake’s extraordinary power, catching even a relatively earthquake-unfamiliar nation off guard.
Experts point to the Sagaing Fault as a persistent threat, noting that Myanmar has experienced several significant quakes in the past century. However, the combination of this geological risk with poor urban planning and strained resources creates a perfect storm of vulnerability. As one analyst put it, “The breakneck pace of development in Myanmar’s cities, combined with crumbling infrastructure, has made its most populous areas sitting ducks for disasters like this.”
A Global Response
The international community has quickly mobilized in response to the crisis. Myanmar’s military junta, which rarely seeks outside help, issued an unprecedented call for humanitarian aid, signaling the severity of the situation. Countries like India, France, and the UK have pledged support, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating, “India stands ready to offer all possible assistance,” while instructing his authorities to coordinate with both governments. Pope Francis also offered prayers for the victims, reflecting a global outpouring of solidarity.
Rescue operations are underway, with teams in Bangkok working around the clock to extract survivors from the collapsed high-rise. In Myanmar, local communities have stepped in where official response has lagged, with residents in Mandalay reportedly managing with whatever resources they have. The International Federation of the Red Cross has raised concerns about large-scale dams potentially compromised by the quake, adding another layer of urgency to the relief efforts.
Looking Ahead
As night falls on March 28, 2025, the people of Myanmar and Thailand are left to pick up the pieces. The immediate priority is saving lives—those trapped under rubble, injured in hospitals, or stranded in remote areas. But beyond that lies a longer road to recovery. For Myanmar, already reeling from conflict and poverty, this disaster could deepen an existing humanitarian crisis. For Thailand, it’s a stark reminder that even urban centers are not immune to nature’s fury.
The earthquake’s aftermath will likely spark debates about preparedness and resilience. How can Myanmar rebuild safer cities amid ongoing instability? Can Thailand enforce stricter construction standards to prevent future earthquake tragedies? These questions will linger as the region mourns its losses and braces for potential aftershocks.
For now, the focus remains on the human stories emerging from the chaos: the Bangkok resident who fled in pajamas, the Mandalay family separated by distance and disaster, and the rescuers risking their lives for strangers. In the face of such devastation, it’s these acts of courage and connection that offer hope amid the rubble.
This seismic event has not only shaken the ground beneath Southeast Asia but also the lives of millions who call it home. As the world watches and responds, the strength of Myanmar and Thailand’s people will be tested—but so too will their capacity to heal and rise again.
