Myanmar Earthquake Releases Power Equivalent To 300 Atomic Bombs, Aftershocks Expected: Experts

Last Updated:March 30, 2025, 09:28 IST

The local authorities reported that the quake has claimed over 1,600 lives, while the US Geological Survey initially projected a potentially catastrophic death toll exceeding 10,000.

Myanmar earthquake live updates: Rescue ops continue (AP Image)

A devastating earthquake of 7.7-magnitude struck Myanmar on Friday, March 29, unleashing a massive amount of energy equivalent to over 300 atomic bombs, a geologist told CNN, warning of ongoing aftershocks in the region.

“The force released by such an earthquake is equal to about 334 atomic bombs," geologist Jess Phoenix said.

A powerful earthquake with its epicenter in Mandalay, Myanmar, struck at midday on Friday at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, according to the US Geological Survey. The local authorities reported that the quake has claimed over 1,600 lives, while the US Geological Survey initially projected a potentially catastrophic death toll exceeding 10,000.

Phoenix also cautioned that aftershocks could persist for months as the Indian tectonic plate continues colliding with the Eurasian plate beneath Myanmar.

Myanmar’s ongoing civil war and communication blackout are severely impeding the outside world’s understanding of the disaster’s true scale. 

Phoenix also warned that Myanmar’s catastrophe will only worsen due to the country’s ongoing civil war. The conflict, combined with a communication blackout, is hindering the international community’s ability to comprehend the earthquake’s devastating consequences.

Meanwhile, the Indian Government launched ‘Operation Brahma’ to mobilise resources and deliver relief materials in Myanmar. An Air Force aircraft carrying 15 tonnes of relief supplies departed for Yangon, Myanmar, on Saturday. The consignment included tents, sleeping bags, blankets, ready-to-eat meals, water purifiers, solar lamps, generator sets, and essential medicines.

The supplies were handed over to Yangon’s Chief Minister, U Soe Thein, by India’s envoy to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur.

Strong tremors were also felt in southwest China’s Yunnan province bordering Myanmar. The powerful earthquake also rocked neighbouring Bangkok, killing 6, along with 22 people injured and 101 missing.

Myanmar (Burma)

News world Myanmar Earthquake Releases Power Equivalent To 300 Atomic Bombs, Aftershocks Expected: Experts