Yangon/Bangkok – A massive earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, triggering widespread tremors across Southeast Asia and leading to the collapse of buildings, including a high-rise in Bangkok. The Thai capital declared an emergency, shutting down metro and rail services as a precaution.
The #earthquake shakes #Thailand as water cascades from the pool of a high-rise building. #Myanmar #MyanmarEarthquake https://t.co/xZazhLImIK pic.twitter.com/1Jz8YpLgGP
— Shanghai Daily (@shanghaidaily) March 28, 2025
Myanmar experienced two powerful back-to-back earthquakes, measuring 7.7 and 6.4 in magnitude, with the epicenter near Sagaing. The tremors were felt as far as Thailand, northeastern India, Bangladesh, and China’s Yunnan province.
In Bangkok, located approximately 900 km from the epicenter, a high-rise under construction collapsed in the Chatuchak district, killing two laborers and trapping over 40 others. The tremors caused panic, forcing residents to flee their homes, while water sloshed out of rooftop pools.
M7.7 #Earthquake hits #MYANMAR
— ⚡NOISE ALERTS⚡ (@NoiseAlerts) March 28, 2025
Video showing people being rescued from the rubles of the collapsed buildings.pic.twitter.com/npI2IkTwkU
In Myanmar, at least three people lost their lives after a mosque partially collapsed. The iconic Ava Bridge in Mandalay crumbled into the Irrawaddy River, highlighting the quake’s intensity. Authorities are assessing further damage and rescue operations are ongoing.
In Thailand’s capital, metro services, airports, and businesses were shut down following the quake. Several buildings were evacuated as a precaution. Although there were no immediate reports of casualties in Bangkok, terrifying videos circulating online showed skyscrapers swaying, people running for safety, and water spilling from an infinity pool.
A resident of Chiang Mai described the experience: “I was sleeping when I felt the tremors and ran out of the building in my pajamas,” he told AFP.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the situation in Myanmar and Thailand, offering India’s assistance in relief efforts.
“Praying for the safety and well-being of everyone. India stands ready to offer all possible assistance. Our authorities are on standby, and the MEA is in touch with the governments of Myanmar and Thailand,” PM Modi stated on X.
Myanmar lies near the Sagaing Fault, a seismic hotspot running through the country. The region frequently experiences earthquakes, including a 6.8-magnitude quake in 2016 that struck Bagan, killing three people and damaging historic temples.
The current disaster comes at a time when Myanmar is already struggling with a civil war and strained medical infrastructure, making rescue and relief operations even more challenging.
Authorities in both Myanmar and Thailand continue to assess the full extent of the destruction, with rescue teams working to locate survivors.