Darren YeohA devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar today (28 Mar 2025), triggering widespread panic and damaging buildings as far as neighbouring Thailand. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the shallow quake, originating northwest of Sagaing at a depth of 10km, before a 6.4-magnitude aftershock intensified the situation.
Earthquake in Myanmar
Image credit: Weather Monitor X Account
The earthquake buckled roads and damaged buildings in Myanmar’s capital, Naypyitaw. At the National Museum, the quake caused ceiling pieces to fall and walls to crack, forcing staff to flee. Dramatic social media posts from Mandalay, the country’s ancient royal capital, show collapsed structures and debris scattered across streets. Roads were severely damaged and some pagodas also crumbled. While no immediate casualties were reported, officials continue to assess the damage. Fears of casualties remain high as rescue personnel scramble to offer assistance.
Insane!!
Violent 7.0-Magnitude Quake Strikes Myanmar, Buildings Fall as Tremors Reach Bangkok
Epicenter: Central #Myanmar, 50 km east of Monywa
Depth: 10 km, making it a shallow and strong quake
Strong tremors felt in #Bangkok causing panic & evacuations. Water splashed from… pic.twitter.com/rI4d0AetpY
— Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) March 28, 2025
Earthquake tremors felt in Bangkok and across the region
The earthquake in Myanmar was so strong that the tremors strongly impacted Thailand, particularly Bangkok, located approximately 1,400 kilometers from the epicenter. Residents evacuated high-rise condominiums and hotels in the densely populated capital. Dramatic footage posted on social media showed an office tower that was swaying harrowingly for two minutes, its doors and windows creaking. The shaking was so intense that it caused water to slosh out of rooftop pools. What’s more, a high-rise building in Bangkok collapsed from the earthquake, as seen in footage posted online. The quake also suspended some metro and light rail services.
Strong Quake Rattles Myanmar and Bangkok, Thailand
A powerful earthquake, estimated between 6.9 and 7.7 magnitude, struck central Myanmar near Monywa.
Tremors shook buildings in Bangkok, prompting evacuations. The quake is rare for the region, raising concerns in the densely… pic.twitter.com/kpO328dplR
— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 28, 2025
The tremors also reached Chiang Mai, a tourist destination in northern Thailand, prompting residents to flee. Even residents in China’s Yunnan province felt the quake, where the Beijing quake agency reported a 7.9-magnitude tremor.
Concerns rise over casualties and infrastructure
While Myanmar experiences frequent earthquakes due to its location along the Sagaing Fault, experts highlighted the country’s poor urban planning and crumbling structures as issues to address. The country’s strained medical system, especially in rural areas, raises concerns about response capabilities. The USGS notes that six strong quakes of 7.0 magnitude or more occurred near this fault between 1930 and 1956.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the earthquake in Myanmar.
