7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Kills 153 in Myanmar and Thailand, with High-Rise Collapse in Bangkok

By
Noreen Shazreen
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A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on 28 March 2025, killing at least 153 people and causing widespread destruction across the region, with tremors felt as far as Bangkok where a high-rise building collapsed.

Myanmar’s military government confirmed at least 144 deaths and 737 injuries within the country, while Thai authorities reported 10 fatalities in Bangkok.

The death toll is expected to rise significantly in the coming days.

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“The death toll and injuries are expected to rise,” said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, head of Myanmar’s military government, in a televised address.

Widespread Destruction

The powerful quake, which had its epicentre near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, struck at midday at a shallow depth of just 10km. A strong 6.4-magnitude aftershock followed the initial tremor.

In Mandalay, multiple buildings collapsed, including one of the city’s largest monasteries. Social media posts showed fallen buildings and debris scattered across the city’s streets.

An eyewitness said he saw a five-story building collapse right before his eyes.

Another resident, Htet Naing Oo, reported that a tea shop had caved in with several people trapped inside.

Bangkok Building Collapse

In Bangkok, approximately 1,000km south of the epicentre, a high-rise building under construction collapsed near the city’s Chatuchak Market, creating a massive cloud of dust.

City authorities declared Bangkok a disaster area, reporting that 10 people were killed, 16 injured, and 101 remained missing from three construction sites, including the collapsed high-rise.

Dramatic footage circulating on social media captured the chaos as the structure crumbled and onlookers screamed and ran.

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Infrastructure Damage

The earthquake damaged critical infrastructure across the region. The Red Cross reported that six states and regions were notably affected, especially in the northwest area of Myanmar.

“Public facilities have sustained damage, including roads, bridges, and governmental buildings,” said Marie Manrique, Coordinator for the International Federation of the Red Cross, to reporters in Geneva.

Concerns about the condition of large dams in the region have also been raised, with observers monitoring their status.

Geological Context

Myanmar sits at the intersection of two tectonic plates, making it one of the most seismically active nations globally.

“The boundary between the India Plate and the Eurasia Plate runs approximately north-south, slicing through the heart of the country,” explained Joanna Faure Walker, a professor and earthquake specialist at University College London.

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The shallow depth of the quake contributed to its destructive power, according to Roger Musson, an honorary research fellow at the British Geological Survey.

Rescue Efforts

Rescue operations are underway in both Myanmar and Thailand. In Myanmar, volunteers told the BBC they were “digging people out with our bare hands” from under the rubble.

The United States Geological Survey has estimated that the death toll could exceed 1,000, with economic repercussions possibly reaching up to 70% of Myanmar’s GDP.

The full extent of casualties, injuries, and damage remains unclear, especially in Myanmar, where ongoing civil conflict complicates information dissemination.

Since early 2021, Myanmar has been in turmoil following the military’s removal of the elected civilian government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, resulting in the displacement of over 3.5 million individuals.

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Noreen Shazreen
Email: noreen.shazreen@goodyfeed.com