A massive earthquake of 7.7 magnitude struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, causing at least 20 deaths and 200 injuries, along with severe destruction across Southeast Asia, even reaching Bangkok. Both rescue and relief efforts face significant challenges.**
Major Earthquake Strikes Southeast Asia, Death Toll Rises Amid Widespread Destruction**
Major Earthquake Strikes Southeast Asia, Death Toll Rises Amid Widespread Destruction**
A catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake has caused significant devastation in Myanmar and beyond, with rising casualties and extensive infrastructure damage reported.**
March 28, 2025, 5:56 a.m. ET
At least 20 people have died following a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, around 12:50 p.m. local time on Friday. The quake affected a large area of Southeast Asia, with casualties and damage reported as far away as Bangkok, Thailand, where three individuals lost their lives due to a collapsing building under construction.
The depth of the earthquake, estimated to be around six miles, amplified its impact, resulting in violent shaking that prompted emergency evacuations in Mandalay. Many buildings suffered severe structural failure, forcing numerous patients from Mandalay General Hospital to flee into a parking lot while still attached to medical equipment, according to reports.
Victims shared harrowing accounts and reflected a sense of despair as help was slow to arrive. "We need medical assistance," pleaded local resident Daw Kyi Shwin, who was injured in the collapse of her home while she tried to rescue her daughter.
In Naypyidaw, the capital of Myanmar, further casualties were reported as buildings and bridges gave way. Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene as emergency services faced difficulties due to damaged communication infrastructure. Relief efforts were hampered as the harsh reality of ongoing civil unrest in the region compounded the crisis.
Meanwhile, in Thailand’s capital, emergency response heightened, with authorities declaring an “area of emergency” and suspending operations of Skytrain services to ensure public safety. Notably, footage emerged showing water cascading from rooftops in Bangkok and panicked citizens evacuating tall structures amid fears of aftershocks.
Tremors from the quake were also felt in neighboring Bangladesh and even as far as southern China, prompting alerts as buildings shook, raising concerns of further injuries and structural damages.
Updates from local hospitals indicate continuous support is necessary for victims while the scope of damage remains unclear. The gravity of the situation continues to unfold as emergency crews strive to reach affected areas and assess the full extent of the disaster.
At least 20 people have died following a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, around 12:50 p.m. local time on Friday. The quake affected a large area of Southeast Asia, with casualties and damage reported as far away as Bangkok, Thailand, where three individuals lost their lives due to a collapsing building under construction.
The depth of the earthquake, estimated to be around six miles, amplified its impact, resulting in violent shaking that prompted emergency evacuations in Mandalay. Many buildings suffered severe structural failure, forcing numerous patients from Mandalay General Hospital to flee into a parking lot while still attached to medical equipment, according to reports.
Victims shared harrowing accounts and reflected a sense of despair as help was slow to arrive. "We need medical assistance," pleaded local resident Daw Kyi Shwin, who was injured in the collapse of her home while she tried to rescue her daughter.
In Naypyidaw, the capital of Myanmar, further casualties were reported as buildings and bridges gave way. Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene as emergency services faced difficulties due to damaged communication infrastructure. Relief efforts were hampered as the harsh reality of ongoing civil unrest in the region compounded the crisis.
Meanwhile, in Thailand’s capital, emergency response heightened, with authorities declaring an “area of emergency” and suspending operations of Skytrain services to ensure public safety. Notably, footage emerged showing water cascading from rooftops in Bangkok and panicked citizens evacuating tall structures amid fears of aftershocks.
Tremors from the quake were also felt in neighboring Bangladesh and even as far as southern China, prompting alerts as buildings shook, raising concerns of further injuries and structural damages.
Updates from local hospitals indicate continuous support is necessary for victims while the scope of damage remains unclear. The gravity of the situation continues to unfold as emergency crews strive to reach affected areas and assess the full extent of the disaster.
