A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, causing tremors felt across Thailand, including Bangkok. The quake led to the collapse of a high-rise building under construction in Bangkok, killing one person and injuring 50 others, according to Thai authorities.
In Mandalay, Myanmar, several buildings collapsed, with eyewitnesses reporting trapped individuals. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared a state of emergency in Bangkok and urged residents to follow safety measures amid ongoing rescue operations. Tremors were also felt in China’s Yunnan province.
Impact Across Southeast Asia
The earthquake struck at approximately 12:50 PM local time near Sagaing, Myanmar, at a shallow depth of 10 km. In Bangkok, buildings swayed for minutes, prompting mass evacuations from high-rises and offices. Water splashed out of rooftop pools, and alarms rang across the city as panicked residents fled into the streets. A 30-storey skyscraper under construction near Chatuchak Market collapsed, trapping workers inside.
Thai officials confirmed one fatality and 50 injuries at the site. Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with people running down escalators and screaming inside malls. In Myanmar’s Mandalay region, eyewitnesses reported multiple building collapses and trapped individuals in tea shops and mosques. Emergency services in both countries are conducting search-and-rescue operations.
Government Response and Safety Guidelines
Prime Minister Shinawatra interrupted her official visit to Phuket to hold an urgent meeting in Bangkok. She declared a state of emergency and assured citizens that “rescue efforts are underway.” Authorities issued safety guidelines urging residents to:
- Evacuate buildings safely: Avoid elevators and use staircases during evacuations.
- Stay outdoors: Remain outside until aftershocks subside.
- Prepare emergency kits: Include essentials like food, water, flashlights, and first aid supplies.
- Secure heavy furniture: Anchor appliances to prevent toppling during tremors.
- Stay informed: Follow updates from government agencies on aftershocks and rescue efforts.
In addition, metro lines were suspended temporarily in Bangkok to ensure passenger safety.
Background Context
This earthquake is one of the strongest recorded in the region in recent years. Myanmar has been grappling with civil unrest since the military coup in 2021, complicating disaster response efforts. Mandalay’s historical significance as a royal capital adds cultural weight to the destruction caused by the quake.
In Thailand, the greater Bangkok area houses over 17 million people, many living in high-rise apartments vulnerable to seismic activity. The tremors also reached China’s Yunnan province, though no casualties were reported there.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Natural disasters like this earthquake highlight our shared vulnerabilities and the importance of preparedness and solidarity during crises. As rescue teams work tirelessly to save lives, we must reflect on how communities can foster resilience through cooperation and empathy.
How can we better prepare for such emergencies while supporting affected individuals? Share your thoughts on how we can collectively build safer environments for future generations.
