Myanmar Earthquake: 154 Killed, 800 Injured As Tremors Wreak Havoc In Naypyidaw, Bangkok | Top Points

Last Updated:March 28, 2025, 23:45 IST

Two powerful earthquakes in Myanmar's Mandalay devastated the country, flattening buildings and roads in the war-torn country. The earthquake also triggered the collapse of a skyscraper in Bangkok.

Rescue operations are still underway after a powerful earthquake jolted Myanmar and Thailand. (Reuters Image)

A powerful earthquake with its epicentre near Myanmar’s second-largest city killed at least 154 people in the region on Friday, flattening buildings, toppling bridges, trapping dozens, and prompting messages of solidarity from around the world, including India.

The impact of the earthquake was so severe that tremors were felt in China, Cambodia, Bangladesh and some Indian states. Thailand also bore the brunt of the consecutive earthquakes, as they triggered the collapse of buildings and a 30-storey skyscraper in Bangkok, trapping dozens of workers.

The massive earthquake prompted a rare appeal from Myanmar’s ruling junta for international assistance as a state of emergency was declared in six regions. Several agencies, including the WHO and Red Cross, said the country was in dire need of humanitarian assistance as Myanmar reels from an economic crisis following a prolonged civil war.

Meanwhile, Thailand also declared a state of emergency in Bangkok and halted public transport services. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said “every building" in Bangkok would need to be inspected for safety.

Myanmar Earthquake: What We Know So Far?

The 7.7 magnitude earthquake, with an epicentre near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second largest city, struck on Friday afternoon and was followed by a strong 6.4 magnitude aftershock. The full extent of the casualties and damage was not immediately clear.

General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of Myanmar’s military government, said at least 144 people were killed and 730 others were injured, adding that the toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts are underway. Images of cracked roads and damaged highways, along with the collapse of the iconic Ava Bridge and a dam, further raised concerns about the complexity of rescue efforts.

Buildings, expressways and key facilities in Myanmar are badly hit. A US government agency has predicted that the death toll in Myanmar could rise to thousands. India, France and the European Union have offered assistance to the country, while the World Health Organisation (WHO) said it was readying trauma injury supplies.

At least 10 people were killed and 68 injured in Thailand, where the earthquake triggered the collapse of a high-rise building. Thai Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said eight people have been confirmed dead in the building collapse, while 90-110 others were still unaccounted for, with the death toll expected to rise. Another person also died in a different location, Bangkok’s Deputy Governor Tavida Kamolvej said.

Search and rescue operations are underway in Myanmar and Bangkok. Strong tremors were also felt in China’s Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, although reports of two injuries have not been verified so far. City authorities in Bangkok have opened parks overnight for people who wish to stay outside their homes.

Pope Francis said he was “deeply saddened by the loss of life and widespread devastation" in a telegram published by the Vatican.

India To Send Humanitarian Assistance To Myanmar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed concerns over the ongoing situation in Myanmar after the earthquake and has asked authorities to remain on standby as the situation involves in the neighbouring country. India is also preparing to send humanitarian supplies on Saturday in the wake of the crisis.

“Concerned by the situation in the wake of the Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Praying for the safety and well-being of everyone. India stands ready to offer all possible assistance. In this regard, asked our authorities to be on standby. Also asked the MEA to remain in touch with the Governments of Myanmar and Thailand," he said on X.

Myanmar’s junta chief said he has allowed desperately-needed international assistance for relief efforts. “I have allowed some offers for support from the AHA Center and India," he said in a televised address.

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Thailand issued an emergency helpline number for Indian citizens as two back-to-back earthquakes rocked Myanmar, with strong tremors in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok. Speaking on the Myanmar-Thailand earthquake, Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar said that the Indian authorities are in touch with their counterparts in Bangkok.

PM Modi will visit Thailand to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit and for an official visit to Thailand from April 3 to 4. Mazumdar said the natural disaster is unlikely to impact the summit.

“The BIMSTEC region is prone to extreme weather events and natural disasters. Its relevance can be seen today in the devastating earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Collaboration in disaster management and between our disaster management authorities through HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) exercises, has been a priority area for India," he added.

What Caused The Earthquake?

Earthquakes are relatively common in Myanmar, where six strong quakes of 7.0 magnitude or more struck between 1930 and 1956 near the Sagaing Fault, which runs north to south through the centre of the country, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The Sagaing Fault has been linked to notable earthquakes, highlighting the region’s seismic activity. This fault involves two landmasses moving sideways past each other, with movement rates estimated between 11 mm and 18 mm annually. Continuous shifting causes stress to build up and eventually release as earthquakes.

Myanmar was further imperilled by four years of civil war sparked by the military seizing power in a coup in 2021 that has devastated the country’s infrastructure and healthcare system, leaving it ill-equipped to handle such a huge disaster.

(with inputs from agencies)

Myanmar (Burma)

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