On March 28, 2025, a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, sending powerful tremors across Southeast Asia and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The epicenter was located near the city of Sagaing, about 17 kilometers from Mandalay, causing devastation that reverberated as far as Bangkok, Thailand, 600 miles away. While rescuers struggled to save lives and officials assessed the damage, the seismic event had already claimed lives, collapsed buildings and raised urgent questions about regional preparedness. Here's what happened as of 6:45 a.m. today, with live updates, expert opinions and the latest developments.
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| Rescue teams search rubble of Bangkok’s collapsed 30-storey building |
Devastating earthquake rocks the region
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake struck at 12:50 pm local time (06:20 GMT) near Sagaing, Myanmar, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres. Just 12 minutes later, another 6.4 magnitude tremor added to the devastation, causing further panic and damage. The quake was felt in Thailand, Vietnam, China, India and Bangladesh, but Myanmar and Thailand bore the brunt of the disaster.
In Myanmar, the historic Ava Bridge over the Irrawaddy River collapsed, and severe structural damage was reported in Myanmar's second-largest city Mandalay, including to the iconic Mandalay Palace and Mahamuni Pagoda. In Thailand's capital Bangkok, a 30-story building under construction in the bustling Chatuchak district crumbled to rubble, trapping dozens of people and exposing vulnerabilities in urban infrastructure.
Current statistics (as of March 28, 2025, 6:45 AM PDT):
- Magnitude: 7.7 (initial quake), followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock.
- Depth: 10 km (shallow, enhancing surface effects).
- Confirmed deaths: At least 8 reported (3 in Bangkok, 5 in Myanmar; number expected to rise).
- Injured: More than 250 in Myanmar; figures still emerging in Thailand.
- Stranded: 81 workers missing in collapsed skyscraper in Bangkok.
Bangkok in crisis: 30-story building collapses
The collapse of a 30-storey government office building under construction in Bangkok has become the focal point of rescue efforts. The building, worth 2,136 million baht (about 60 million US dollars), collapsed in a matter of seconds, captured in horrific footage on social media. Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Vechayachai has confirmed three deaths at the scene, while 81 workers were still missing as of this morning. Rescue operations are ongoing, but unstable rubble has slowed progress, with only seven survivors pulled from the rubble so far.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt declared the city a "disaster zone", urging calm and warning of possible aftershocks. Thailand's stock exchange suspended trading, and major manufacturers such as Nissan and Honda halted operations to ensure the safety of employees. Prime Minister Patongtarn Shinawatra cut short an official visit to Phuket to oversee the crisis response, and arrived at the Chatuchak site to coordinate efforts.
Eyewitness account: "The table shook, the chair shook, and then the ceiling broke. I ran outside as glass broke all around me - it was complete chaos," Varunyu Armartayakul, an office worker in Bangkok, told Reuters.
Myanmar's devastation: A nation in crisis
The situation in Myanmar is equally dire. The quake has caused widespread destruction due to its proximity to Mandalay, with reports of buildings collapsing, a fire at Mandalay University and a hospital in Naypyidaw being flooded as a "mass casualty zone". At least 20 people have been confirmed dead in Myanmar, including three in the collapse of a mosque in Mandalay and two in a hotel in Aung Ban. The junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, declared a state of emergency and made a rare appeal for international aid - a sign of the severity of the crisis amid the country's ongoing political turmoil.
The Sagaing Fault, a tectonic boundary between the Indian plate and the Burma microplate, is a known seismic hotspot. Experts say such shallow earthquakes amplify surface vibrations, making Myanmar particularly vulnerable. "This is one of the most powerful earthquakes to hit the region in decades," said Dr. O.P. Mishra, director of India's National Center for Seismology. "The shaking could continue for several days, posing even greater risk."
Expert Opinion: What caused this disaster?
Earthquake scientists believe the quake was caused by a collision of tectonic plates along the Sagaing Fault, a 1,200-kilometre fracture in Myanmar. "The shallow depth and high magnitude made this event exceptionally destructive," noted seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones told IANS. "Buildings in rapidly developing cities such as Bangkok and Mandalay often lack the retrofitting necessary to withstand such forces."
There is already controversy over construction standards. A Bangkok skyscraper intended to house state audit offices was still in its structural phase, raising questions about inspections and seismic design. In Myanmar, decades of underinvestment in infrastructure, compounded by conflict, has left cities inadequately prepared for natural disasters. "This earthquake comes at a time when Myanmar's displaced population and pressure on resources are already at a peak," said Joe Freeman of Amnesty International.
Live updates: Latest developments as of 6:45 AM PDT
- 6:30 AM PDT: Thai rescuers report hearing screams from within the rubble of Bangkok, stepping up efforts despite dangerous conditions.
- 6:20 AM PDT: The USGS has issued a warning for possible aftershocks up to magnitude 6.0 over the next 24 hours.
- 6:00 AM PDT: There were no reports of casualties in Yunnan province despite the powerful earthquake, according to China's news agency Xinhua.
- 5:45 AM PDT: Indian Embassy in Thailand confirms no Indian nationals have been harmed so far, issues emergency hotline: +66 618819218.
- 5:30 AM PDT: Videos on social media showed water pouring from pools on the rooftops of tall buildings in Bangkok, showing the intensity of the earthquake.
The bigger picture: Regional impact and preparedness
The quake hit across Southeast Asia, with mild tremors felt in Kolkata in India and Dhaka in Bangladesh. Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport is operational, but rail and metro services have been suspended for security checks. In Myanmar, damaged roads between Mandalay and Yangon are hampering relief efforts, while a call for help by the military signals a rare moment of vulnerability.
This disaster underscores a harsh reality: rapid urbanization in seismically active regions demands better planning. Thailand's economic hub status and Myanmar's weak infrastructure highlight the disparity in resilience. "We're seeing the price of prioritizing speed over safety," Dr. Jones said. "This could be a warning — or a tragic missed opportunity."
What will happen next?
As dawn breaks in the region, the focus shifts to rescue and recovery. In Bangkok, the fate of the 81 trapped workers hangs in the balance, while Myanmar grapples with mounting casualties and logistical challenges. Aftershocks loom as a persistent threat, and the international community is watching closely, ready to respond to help Myanmar.
Stay tuned for real-time updates as this story unfolds. The resilience of these communities will be tested, but so will the systems built to protect them. For now, the ground has stabilized — but the aftermath has only just begun.
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