On March 28, 2025, at 12:50 p.m. local time, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck northwestern Myanmar, with its epicenter near Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city. This quake, the strongest in the region since 1912, caused significant devastation in Myanmar and was strongly felt in neighboring countries such as Thailand and China.
Impact in Myanmar:
Burmese authorities reported at least 144 dead and 732 injured, figures that are expected to rise as rescue efforts progress. In Mandalay, numerous buildings collapsed, including parts of the historic Mandalay Palace.
In the city of Taungoo, a mosque partially collapsed during prayers, resulting in at least 20 deaths. Transportation infrastructure was also severely damaged, complicating rescue operations. The military junta declared a state of emergency in six affected regions and requested international humanitarian aid.
Effects in Thailand
In Bangkok, the earthquake caused scenes of panic and mass evacuations. A skyscraper under construction collapsed in the Chatuchak district, killing at least eight people and leaving dozens trapped in the rubble. Authorities declared the city a Level 2 disaster zone and warned of possible aftershocks, advising the population to remain alert.
International Response:
The international community has responded swiftly to the disaster. The UN approved a budget of five million dollars for humanitarian assistance in Myanmar. Rescue teams from various countries are mobilizing to the affected areas to assist in search and rescue operations. However, the situation is complicated by the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, which is hampering aid distribution and coordination of efforts.
David
Aparicio, a Basque chef living in Bangkok, recounted his experience during the earthquake:
“Everything was moving, it was a very strange feeling. There was chaos and evacuations, but there were no injuries in our building.”
Conclusion
The earthquake of March 28, 2025, has left a profound mark on Southeast Asia, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Rescue efforts continue, and the death toll is expected to rise in the coming days. It is essential that the international community continue its support to help the affected nations recover from this tragedy.
