Myanmar Earthquake: Over 1,000 Dead, 2,000 Injured as Rescue Efforts Intensify
Mandalay, Myanmar, March 28, 2025 – A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming over 1,000 lives, with more than 2,000 people injured. The epicenter was near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, and was followed by a powerful 6.4-magnitude aftershock just 11 minutes later. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
Widespread Destruction and Overwhelmed Hospitals
The earthquake caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings, in urban areas like Naypyidaw, Mandalay, and Sagaing. Hospitals in these cities are overwhelmed with victims, and there is a critical demand for blood donations. Major General Zaw Min Tun reported that medical facilities are struggling to cope with the influx of injured individuals.
In neighboring Thailand, the tremors caused a 33-story building under construction to collapse near Bangkok’s Chatuchak market, resulting in at least six deaths and numerous injuries. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate survivors trapped under the rubble.
International Aid and Appeals for Help
Myanmar’s military junta leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, has warned of more casualties and extended an open invitation to “any country” willing to provide aid and donations. In a televised address, he confirmed that offers of support from the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Center) and India have been accepted. The United Nations has allocated $5 million to kickstart relief efforts.
A Region Prone to Earthquakes
Myanmar lies in an active seismic zone, but most tremors typically occur in sparsely populated areas. Friday’s earthquake, however, struck densely populated cities, amplifying the scale of destruction. The US Geological Survey has warned that the death toll could rise significantly as rescue operations progress.
Here’s what we know so far about the Myanmar earthquake
- UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres announced that the United Nations is mobilising in Southeast Asia to assist those in need, with $5 million allocated to begin relief efforts.
- US President Donald Trump said he had spoken with officials in Myanmar and confirmed his administration would provide assistance, stating, “We’re going to be helping.”
- Myanmar’s government reported a high demand for blood in the worst-affected areas. Although previous governments have been slow to accept foreign aid, Min Aung Hlaing said that Myanmar is now prepared to receive assistance.
- India will send over 15 tonnes of relief material to Myanmar including tents, sleeping bags, food, water purifiers, hygiene kits, and essential medicines. The aid will be transported by an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft from Air Force Station Hindon.
- The earthquake was felt in China’s Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, causing damage in Ruili and shaking so strong in Mangshi that people couldn’t stand, reports say.
- Aftershocks followed the main earthquake, with a 4.2 magnitude tremor hitting Myanmar at 11:56 pm local time on Friday. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) confirmed the tremor occurred at a depth of 10 km, increasing the likelihood of further aftershocks.
- Mandalay, with a population of around 1.5 million, is facing extensive damage. Rescue teams are working to free monks trapped in the Phaya Taung Monastery rubble.
- Amnesty International said the earthquake struck at a critical time for Myanmar, with many displaced people, ongoing relief needs, and reduced U.S. aid under the Trump administration.
- Pope Francis, currently recovering from a five-week hospitalisation for life-threatening double pneumonia, offered prayers for the earthquake victims. “The pope has been informed of the disaster in Myanmar and is praying for the dramatic situation and for the many victims, also in Thailand,” the Vatican said in a statement.
- Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said she had instructed relevant agencies to prepare and address the situation, while warning of possible aftershocks. She did not mention any casualties.With agencies inputs
