7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Myanmar, Triggers Chaos in Bangkok and Beyond

A devastating earthquake of 7.7 magnitude struck central Myanmar on Friday, March 28, 2025, leaving a trail of destruction and loss that reverberated across Southeast Asia. The powerful quake, centered near the city of Sagaing, claimed at least 20 lives in Myanmar, with reports of collapsed buildings and widespread panic. The tremors were so intense that they were felt in five countries, including India, Thailand, China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, shaking homes and high-rises alike.

In Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, the disaster took a dramatic turn as an under-construction skyscraper crumbled under the force of the tremors, burying 80 people in the debris. Rescue teams are racing against time to locate the missing, while authorities have confirmed three fatalities at the site. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as residents fled swaying buildings, with water spilling from rooftop pools and streets filling with terrified crowds.

The quake’s impact in Myanmar has been equally harrowing, with damaged infrastructure complicating rescue efforts in a nation already strained by conflict. The iconic Ava Bridge near Mandalay collapsed into the Irrawaddy River, cutting off a vital link and symbolizing the scale of the disaster. Meanwhile, in India, mild tremors rattled parts of the northeast, prompting concern but no immediate reports of damage.

As aftershocks continue to jolt the region, emergency services in both Myanmar and Thailand have declared states of emergency, appealing for international aid to manage the crisis. The full extent of the tragedy is still unfolding, but the resilience of affected communities shines through as they band together in the face of this natural calamity. Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops.