On March 28, 2025, Myanmar was struck by a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake that left an indelible mark on the Southeast Asian country. The earthquake, with its epicenter located near the city of Mandalay in central Myanmar, has claimed the lives of at least 1,644 people, with thousands more injured and many still trapped under rubble. As aftershocks continue to rattle the region, rescue operations are ongoing, but the devastation remains staggering.
The Earthquake’s Impact
The earthquake hit at 3:56 AM local time, sending tremors across Myanmar and even affecting neighboring Thailand. While the earthquake’s epicenter was in Myanmar, the tremors were felt as far as 600 kilometers away, reaching neighboring countries and causing widespread panic in cities such as Bangkok. Buildings collapsed, roads buckled, and bridges crumbled, making it difficult for rescue teams to access affected areas.
In Myanmar, the worst-hit regions include Mandalay, Sagaing, and neighboring Bagan. Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, bore the brunt of the destruction, with significant damage to infrastructure and residential buildings. The ancient city of Bagan, home to thousands of ancient pagodas, saw several of its historic structures reduced to rubble. The collapse of entire neighborhoods in the affected areas has left thousands of people displaced, and the destruction of critical infrastructure has complicated the ongoing recovery efforts.
The earthquake struck during the early morning hours when many people were still asleep, contributing to the high number of casualties. Buildings that had already been weakened by years of neglect or substandard construction were particularly vulnerable to the seismic shock, leading to the collapse of entire buildings. Residential complexes, schools, and government buildings were among the hardest-hit structures.
Rescue Operations and Challenges
As the death toll rises, rescue operations have faced significant challenges due to the scale of destruction and the ongoing aftershocks. In addition to the primary tremor, a series of aftershocks, including one as strong as 6.4-magnitude, have continued to shake the region. These aftershocks have created an unstable environment, further endangering rescue teams and hampering their efforts.
Search-and-rescue operations are being led by both local authorities and international aid groups. However, the damaged infrastructure is making access to the worst-hit areas extremely difficult. Roads and bridges have either collapsed or been severely damaged, and in some regions, flooding has added to the chaos. In some places, landslides triggered by the earthquake have blocked access routes, making it even harder for teams to reach remote villages.
Hospitals in the affected areas are overwhelmed with casualties, and medical supplies are running low. Many of the injured have been taken to makeshift medical facilities as hospitals in the region are either destroyed or unable to handle the influx of patients. The lack of medical staff, combined with the sheer number of injured, has placed immense strain on the healthcare system.
The military junta, which has been ruling Myanmar since a coup in 2021, has been criticized for its response to the disaster. The country’s ongoing political instability has hampered effective communication and coordination of relief efforts. However, Myanmar’s opposition groups have expressed their willingness to cooperate in the aftermath of the earthquake. Several opposition factions have announced a temporary ceasefire to allow for the smooth delivery of aid and to facilitate rescue operations in areas under their control.
International aid has been slow to arrive due to the country’s political situation and its international isolation, but countries such as India, China, and the United States have pledged support. Rescue teams and relief supplies from neighboring countries, including Thailand and India, have already started to arrive in Myanmar. The United Nations has also committed to sending aid, with mobile medical teams being dispatched to provide care to those in need.
A Broader Regional Impact
While Myanmar has been the hardest hit, the earthquake has also caused significant damage in neighboring countries. In Thailand, at least 17 people have died as a result of the tremors, with many injuries reported from the collapse of high-rise buildings in Bangkok. Other parts of Thailand, including Chiang Mai and the northern provinces, have also experienced extensive damage. The earthquake has heightened concerns about the vulnerability of urban centers in the region, especially given the increasing frequency of seismic events in the area.
International aid is being coordinated between the affected countries to address the immediate needs of survivors. Humanitarian organizations are focusing on providing food, shelter, and medical supplies to those in need. The United Nations has allocated $5 million in initial funding for relief efforts, and other countries are expected to contribute additional resources.
The Human Cost of the Disaster
The human toll of the disaster continues to unfold. As of now, the death toll stands at 1,644, but experts believe the number will rise as more bodies are recovered from the rubble. Over 3,400 people have been injured, many critically. With thousands still missing, the final toll may be far higher. The emotional and psychological impact of the earthquake is also significant, with survivors facing the trauma of losing loved ones, their homes, and their livelihoods.
In the aftermath of the quake, there is also a growing concern about the long-term impact on Myanmar’s already fragile economy. The destruction of infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and hospitals, will significantly hinder the country’s recovery. The ongoing conflict and political instability complicate the situation, as many regions are still embroiled in fighting between the military junta and opposition groups.
