At least 26 people have been confirmed dead and 43 others are missing after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar’s Sagaing region on 28 March 2025, triggering widespread destruction and casualties across Myanmar and Thailand.
According to the US Geological Survey, the initial quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres. It was followed 12 minutes later by a strong aftershock measuring 6.4 in magnitude. The tremors were felt in neighbouring countries, including Thailand.
Thai PBS reported that one person was killed and 43 others were trapped after a skyscraper under construction collapsed in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. The collapse has prompted a significant rescue operation, with emergency personnel working to reach those still under the debris.
In Myanmar, at least 25 people were killed. Eleven Media Group reported that a monastery collapsed in Taungoo City, killing five displaced children. The children were reportedly seeking refuge at the site when the quake struck.
In the Mandalay Region, the Shwe Pho Shing Mosque collapsed during Friday prayers. Citing Khit Thit media, a rescue worker stated that at least 20 people had died at the site and that additional worshippers were believed to be trapped. “It collapsed while we were worshipping. About three mosques collapsed. There are people trapped,” the worker said.
Emergency services have been deployed across the affected areas.
According to Myanmar’s state-run MRTV, the State Administration Council has declared a state of emergency across multiple regions. These include the Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, northeastern Shan State, Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, and Bago Region.
Historic landmarks were not spared. The Ava Bridge in Mandalay, a key transportation link and historic site, collapsed during the earthquake. The Mandalay Palace also sustained significant structural damage.
In Thailand, authorities declared Bangkok an “emergency zone” in the aftermath of the quake. Thai PBS News reported the designation, which was followed by precautionary shutdowns in affected areas.
The Thai Enquirer reported that the Stock Exchange of Thailand temporarily halted trading operations due to concerns about the building’s safety and staff wellbeing following the tremors.
In Myanmar’s capital, Nay Pyi Taw, a major hospital reportedly received a large number of casualties, although specific numbers have not been confirmed.
Telecommunications were also disrupted, as both the primary and aftershock earthquakes interfered with mobile phone networks. Images shared by local media showed damaged buildings, cracked roads, and collapsed infrastructure across affected zones.
The epicentre in Myanmar’s Sagaing Region is home to many rural communities. Humanitarian organisations have expressed concern about access to remote areas that may have also suffered significant damage.
With ongoing search and rescue operations in both Myanmar and Thailand, the death toll may rise as more information becomes available. Authorities are urging citizens in affected regions to avoid damaged structures and to report missing persons.
Emergency response teams from neighbouring countries have also offered support, though access to parts of Myanmar remains challenging due to infrastructure damage and ongoing political tensions.
The full extent of the disaster is still emerging. Both nations have appealed for calm as they assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts.
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