A catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, unleashing destruction across the region and claiming more than 150 lives in Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake’s epicentre was recorded near Mandalay, Myanmar’s ancient capital.
Myanmar Bears the Brunt of Destruction
Myanmar state broadcaster MRTV reported at least 144 fatalities and 732 injuries nationwide, with numbers expected to rise. The tremor reduced buildings to rubble in Naypyidaw, the modern capital, particularly devastating government housing complexes. Rescue teams worked tirelessly to extract victims from collapsed structures as the country’s military administration warned of a climbing death toll.
UNICEF is deeply concerned about the devastating impact of today’s earthquake in Myanmar on children and families.
Damage has also been reported in parts of Thailand.
Our teams are in affected areas to assess impact and prepare humanitarian support.
© UNICEF Myanmar pic.twitter.com/ybUMlbB59V
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) March 28, 2025Minutes later, a powerful 6.4-magnitude aftershock rattled the region, compounding the damage and hampering relief efforts. The twin seismic events left thousands homeless, with hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of injured survivors.
Thailand’s Capital Rocked by Collapse
In Bangkok, at least nine people died, including eight workers trapped in the collapse of a 33-story under-construction building near Chatuchak market. Shocking footage captured when the high-rise crumbled into a massive dust cloud, sending bystanders fleeing in panic.
Bangkok Deputy Governor Tavida Kamolvej confirmed the collapse’s toll, while Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai reported 90 people missing across affected areas. The quake’s tremors were felt as far as Chiang Mai, where residents evacuated swaying buildings.
A powerful earthquake rocked Myanmar and neighboring Thailand on Friday, killing at least three people in Bangkok and burying dozens when a high-rise building under construction collapsed. pic.twitter.com/wOb65quagE
— The Associated Press (@AP) March 28, 2025Emergency teams in both countries are racing against time to locate survivors beneath the wreckage. The disaster has drawn international aid offers, though logistical challenges persist in reaching remote Myanmar villages. Seismologists warn of potential additional aftershocks in coming days.
