A powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 magnitude struck central Myanmar today, March 28, 2025, at approximately 12:50 PM local time. The epicenter was located near the city of Mandalay, about 17.2 km away, at a shallow depth of 10 km.
Impact in Myanmar:
In Mandalay, social media posts depict collapsed buildings and debris strewn across streets, though these reports remain unverified. In the capital, Naypyidaw, roads buckled, and ceilings partially collapsed. Several homes and religious shrines sustained damage. The Ava Bridge in Sagaing collapsed.
Regional Effects:
- Thailand: In Bangkok, located over 1,000 km from the epicenter, the tremors caused buildings to sway, prompting residents and tourists to evacuate onto the streets. Many hotel guests were seen in bathrobes and swimming attire. The greater Bangkok area, home to more than 17 million people, experienced widespread panic.
- India: Tremors were felt in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) around 11:50 AM IST, causing people to evacuate buildings.
- China: In Yunnan province, which neighbors Myanmar, the earthquake was strongly felt across the province. Other provinces including Guizhou, Guangxi, and Sichuan also experienced tremors.
Official Response:
Myanmar’s Fire Services Department has initiated search and rescue operations in Yangon to assess casualties and damage. As of now, there are no confirmed reports of injuries or fatalities. In Thailand, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra convened an emergency meeting to evaluate the earthquake’s impact, though no immediate casualties have been reported.
Aftershocks and Ongoing Monitoring:
The initial quake was followed by a significant aftershock measuring 6.4 magnitude. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have urged residents to remain vigilant due to the possibility of further aftershocks.
