A catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar near Mandalay on March 28, 2025, at approximately 12:50 PM local time, followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock 12 minutes later. The disaster has claimed numerous lives, caused widespread destruction, and sent shockwaves across Southeast Asia. Below is the latest update as of 9:07 AM PDT.
Casualties and Injuries
Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, reported that at least 144 people have been killed and 732 injured nationwide, according to a statement cited by Reuters. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue. Naypyidaw, the capital, recorded 96 deaths, while Sagaing and Kyaukse reported 18 and 30 fatalities, respectively.
Widespread Damage in Myanmar
The quake wreaked havoc in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, where a five-story building collapsed, and historic sites like the Mandalay Palace and the Ma Soe Yane monastery sustained significant damage, per BBC News. In Sagaing, a 90-year-old bridge collapsed, and sections of the Mandalay-Yangon highway were rendered impassable. Naypyidaw saw buckled roads and damaged hospitals, forcing medical staff to treat patients outdoors.
Regional Impact
The earthquake’s effects rippled across the region. In Bangkok, Thailand—600 miles from the epicenter—a 30-story high-rise under construction collapsed, killing at least three and leaving dozens trapped, with estimates ranging up to 43 workers, as reported by The Bangkok Post. Bangkok has been declared a disaster area. Tremors also injured people and damaged homes in China’s Yunnan province, near Ruili, and were felt in India (Kolkata, Imphal) and Bangladesh, according to Xinhua News Agency.
Response and Relief Efforts
Myanmar’s junta declared a state of emergency in six regions, including Naypyidaw and Mandalay, and issued a rare request for international aid, with India confirming assistance, per Al Jazeera. The Myanmar Red Cross and other groups are mobilizing, though damaged infrastructure and downed communication lines are hampering efforts. Mandalay General Hospital is overwhelmed, treating patients outside due to resource shortages.
Seismic Details
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the quake at a magnitude of 7.7, with a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), centered 17 kilometers from Mandalay along the Sagaing Fault. Experts warn of potential aftershocks, which could exacerbate the crisis.
Ongoing Challenges
Myanmar’s civil war and existing humanitarian crisis—over three million people are internally displaced—complicate recovery. Amnesty International has called on the junta to allow unrestricted aid access, as noted in a statement to CNN. Rescue operations are expected to persist for days or weeks as the full extent of the disaster unfolds.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as new information emerges.
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