A catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, on March 28, 2025, leaving a trail of destruction and a rising death toll.
As of March 29, the Myanmar military government reports that at least 1,644 people have perished, with 3,408 injured, though the United States Geological Survey (USGS) warns that fatalities could surpass 10,000 due to the quake’s shallow depth and the region’s vulnerable infrastructure.
The temblor, centred just 10 kilometres beneath the surface, razed buildings, shattered roads, and disrupted communications across central Myanmar. Rescue teams are racing against time to pull survivors from the rubble, but the nation’s ongoing civil war has hampered efforts, leaving many remote areas cut off from aid. In Mandalay, once a cultural hub, scenes of collapsed pagodas and flattened homes paint a grim picture of loss.
Neighboring Thailand also felt the quake’s wrath, with at least 10 deaths reported, including workers killed in the collapse of a skyscraper under construction in Bangkok. The Myanmar junta, in a rare move, declared a state of emergency and appealed for international assistance.
Countries such as India, China and South Korea have responded, dispatching emergency supplies and personnel to the disaster zone.
“The situation is dire,” said a spokesperson for the Myanmar Red Cross. “We’re seeing entire communities wiped out, and the lack of access is making it harder to assess the full scope.” With aftershocks continuing to rattle the region, fears are mounting that the death toll will climb further as rescuers reach isolated villages.
The USGS notes that the earthquake’s proximity to densely populated areas and its shallow epicentre amplified its destructive power. Experts warn that poorly constructed buildings, common in Myanmar, have exacerbated the casualty count. Meanwhile, the junta’s grip on power faces scrutiny as citizens criticize the slow response amid their focus on quelling dissent.
As the international community rallies to provide aid, the road to recovery remains uncertain for a nation already battered by conflict and poverty. For now, the people of Myanmar mourn their losses while clinging to hope amid the ruins.
