A devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, at 12:50 PM local time (UTC+6:30), with its epicenter just 10 miles northwest of Sagaing, near Mandalay, at a shallow depth of 6 miles, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake, followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock 11 minutes later, has killed at least 153 people—144 in Myanmar and 9 in Thailand—and injured 732, marking it as a mass casualty event. Widespread damage has been reported across Myanmar’s capital Naypyidaw, Mandalay, and as far as Bangkok, Thailand, 650 miles away, where a 33-story skyscraper collapsed. With over 1 million searches on Google Trends and trending hashtags like #earthquake and #MyanmarEarthquake on X, the disaster has captured global attention. The USGS warns the death toll could rise significantly, potentially surpassing 10,000, due to the region’s dense population and vulnerable infrastructure

In Myanmar, the earthquake caused extensive damage, particularly in Naypyidaw and Mandalay. Naypyidaw, the capital, saw buckled roads, collapsed buildings, and damaged pagodas, with the emergency department of a major hospital so severely impacted that patients were treated outside in 100-degree heat, as reported by The New York Times. Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city with a population of 1.5 million, experienced multiple building collapses, including at Mandalay University, where a fire broke out, and the Mahamuni Pagoda was damaged. The 91-year-old Ava Bridge over the Irrawaddy River in the Sagaing region also collapsed, further isolating communities. Myanmar’s military junta chief, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, confirmed 144 deaths and 732 injuries, warning that the toll is expected to rise. The junta has declared a state of emergency across six regions, including Naypyidaw, Mandalay, and Sagaing, and made a rare request for international humanitarian aid, as reported by Reuters. Internet shutdowns by the junta have complicated damage assessments, raising fears that the true extent of the disaster, especially in rural areas, is yet to be fully understood

The earthquake’s impact extended 1,300 km to Bangkok, Thailand, where a 33-story skyscraper under construction—the new office of the State Audit Office of Thailand—collapsed in the Chatuchak area, killing 9 people (with estimates ranging from 3 to 10), injuring 16, and leaving 117 missing, according to The Independent and Yahoo News. Dashcam footage captured the moment of collapse, while videos on X showed water sloshing like a tidal wave in a skyscraper pool, highlighting the quake’s intensity. The Stock Exchange of Thailand suspended trading, the skytrain was shut down, and traffic came to a standstill as residents flooded the streets in panic, fearing aftershocks. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared Bangkok an 'area of emergency,' urging evacuation from tall buildings, and issued a nationwide alert for potential aftershocks.

The earthquake occurred near the Sagaing Fault, a major fault line in central Myanmar, where quakes of this magnitude are rare—only three of 7.7 magnitude or greater have struck in or near Myanmar in the last century, according to the USGS (The New York Times). Myanmar lies on the Alpide belt, the second-most seismically active region after the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to earthquakes, though large quakes in this specific area are uncommon. In response, Myanmar’s junta has mobilized rescue efforts, but volunteers in Mandalay report digging with bare hands due to limited resources. Internationally, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed condolences and confirmed the UN is mobilizing aid, while India, the EU, and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) have offered support. However, US assistance is limited by a 90-day freeze on foreign aid programs, impacting refugee services in Thailand. The quake has deepened Myanmar’s humanitarian crisis, already strained by a civil war since 2021, with the USGS estimating economic losses could reach 70% of Myanmar’s GDP.

The region remains on high alert for aftershocks, with a 4.2 magnitude aftershock reported later on March 28 (Hindustan Times). The USGS warns of potential for more seismic activity, which could further damage already weakened infrastructure. Myanmar’s ongoing civil war, poverty, and internet shutdowns pose significant challenges to recovery, while Bangkok faces the risk of additional structural failures. Humanitarian appeals, such as Plan International’s Myanmar Earthquake Appeal, highlight the urgent need for aid, including medical supplies, shelter, and food. The international community is rallying, but the scale of the disaster—combined with Myanmar’s political instability—means recovery will be a long and difficult process. Stay tuned to NowSpike for updates, and check out our other trending stories.