A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday (28 March 2025), at 12:50 pm local time (2:20 pm Singapore time), causing widespread panic and damage across the region.
The epicentre was located approximately 16km north-northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar, at a shallow depth of 10km.
Tremors Felt in Bangkok
The tremors were felt as far away as Bangkok, Thailand, where hundreds of people evacuated buildings in the central business district. Water splashed out of swimming pools in high-rise buildings, and some metro and light rail services were suspended.
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In Myanmar’s capital, Naypyidaw, roads buckled and chunks of ceilings fell from buildings. The ancient city of Mandalay, close to the epicentre, reported significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.
A 6.4-magnitude aftershock struck the same area about 12 minutes after the initial quake, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
In Bangkok, a 30-storey government office building under construction collapsed, trapping at least 43 workers. Emergency services are currently working to rescue those trapped in the rubble.
Impact Beyond Myanmar and Thailand
The earthquake’s impact extended beyond Myanmar and Thailand. Tremors were felt in China’s southwest Yunnan province, with Beijing’s earthquake agency measuring the jolt at 7.9 magnitude.
In India, shaking was experienced in the Delhi-National Capital Region around 11:50 a.m. local time, prompting building evacuations. Vietnam also reported tremors in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
The Sagaing Fault, which runs north to south through the centre of Myanmar, has a history of strong seismic activity. Between 1930 and 1956, six earthquakes of 7.0 magnitude or greater struck near this fault.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra cut short an official visit to Phuket to hold an urgent meeting in response to the earthquake. Thailand’s stock exchange announced a full halt to trading following the quake.
As search and rescue efforts continue, the full extent of the damage and potential casualties remains unclear. This earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic events and the importance of earthquake preparedness in Southeast Asia.
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