Myanmar Earthquake: Over 1,600 Dead and Entire Neighborhoods Flattened
Hopes of finding survivors are fading more than 48 hours after a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar—the country’s strongest in a century. The disaster has also claimed lives in Thailand, while rescue efforts from China and India face delays due to widespread destruction.
Rising Death Toll and Worsening Crisis
As of now, reports indicate at least 1,644 dead, 3,408 injured, and 139 missing—though numbers may vary due to the Myanmar junta’s tight control over information. Neighboring Thailand has also reported six deaths and dozens missing.
The junta’s plea for international aid highlights the country’s inability to cope with the scale of the catastrophe. Tens of thousands have spent a second night outdoors without electricity or communication access. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with locals recounting heartbreaking stories of victims perishing before receiving medical attention.
A rare glimmer of hope emerged in Mandalay, where a woman was pulled alive from the rubble after 30 hours. However, chances of further rescues are dwindling.
Collapsed School Traps Students and Teachers
In Mandalay, a six-story private school collapsed, trapping at least seven people inside, including two teachers and five students. Another seven were confirmed dead, while two survivors were rescued hours later. Thankfully, most of the school’s 200 students had already left, but those rehearsing for the traditional New Year water festival remained inside when the earthquake struck.
International Aid Efforts
- China: Sent a 37-member rescue and medical team, the first international responders to arrive. They brought life detectors, drones, and portable satellite systems.
- India: Dispatched a 118-member medical team and delivered 137 tons of aid via military aircraft.
- Russia: Committed to sending emergency supplies and personnel.
- European Union: Pledged an initial €2.5 million in humanitarian aid.
The UN warns that damaged roads and debris are delaying relief efforts, while medical shortages (trauma kits, blood supplies, anesthetics) further complicate the response. Telecommunications disruptions have also hindered aid distribution.
Ceasefire Declared for Aid Operations
In a rare move, Myanmar’s opposition People’s Defence Force (PDF) declared a two-week ceasefire to allow humanitarian efforts in quake-hit areas. The group vowed to cooperate with the UN and NGOs to ensure safe aid delivery.
Satellite Images Reveal Total Devastation
Satellite images from Maxar Technologies show widespread destruction in Mandalay, with entire neighborhoods, including historic pagodas, reduced to rubble.
The scale of the disaster is immense, and the road to recovery will be long and difficult.
Watch Video: Moment a Multi-Story Building Collapses in Mandalay
In a shocking scene witnessed by bystanders, including Buddhist monks, a multi-story building in Mandalay, Myanmar, collapsed following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the region yesterday.
The collapse, which also caused damage to nearby structures, was captured on mobile phones by those present at the scene.
“He Died in My Arms”: 39-Year-Old Rescuer Recounts Heartbreaking Scenes in Myanmar
A 39-year-old resident of Mandalay described harrowing moments as he attempted to rescue a man trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed mosque in the village of Sule Kone. However, he was forced to abandon the effort due to powerful aftershocks.
Despite Devastation, Myanmar Military Continues Airstrikes in Quake-Hit Areas
Friday’s 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck regions already affected by ongoing clashes between government forces and pro-democracy rebels. Despite the humanitarian disaster and ongoing rescue efforts, the military has continued airstrikes, reportedly targeting resistance strongholds.
Residents told the BBC that at least three air raids took place overnight in Shan and Karenni provinces. A previous BBC investigation revealed that while the military controls less than a quarter of the country, it maintains aerial dominance.
Death Toll Rises to 1,644
The official death toll in Myanmar has risen to 1,644, with 3,408 injured and 139 people still missing, according to the latest reports.
30-Year-Old Woman Rescued Alive from Collapsed Building
Rescue teams successfully pulled a 30-year-old woman from the rubble of a collapsed residential building in Mandalay, 30 hours after the earthquake. Journalists from Agence France-Presse reported that she was carried on a stretcher to embrace her husband before being transported to the hospital.
Urgent Efforts Underway to Restore Roads in Myanmar’s Capital
The earthquake has caused significant disruption in Naypyidaw, Myanmar’s capital. Teams are working around the clock to restore damaged roads, while electricity, phone, and internet services remain largely out of order. The quake also brought down multiple government office buildings.
Exhausted Rescuers After 24 Hours of Searching: “We Haven’t Slept at All”
Rescuers in Myanmar are making superhuman efforts with limited resources, while widespread power outages are making search operations even more difficult.
According to Agence France-Presse, emergency personnel are relying on portable generators for power supply.
After more than 24 hours of desperate searching, many are exhausted and desperately in need of relief. “We’ve been here since last night. We haven’t slept at all. More help is needed here,” a rescuer told AFP.
Red Cross: Death Toll Expected to Keep Rising
Millions of people in the earthquake-affected areas are at risk, said Francesca Capoluongo from the International Federation of the Red Cross in Myanmar, speaking to the BBC.
“Initial estimates indicate that more than 18 million people live within the affected area, so we can naturally expect these numbers to continue rising,” she stated, adding that search and rescue operations are still underway.
She also highlighted that many of the 18 million people in the impacted regions “are now without safe shelter, access to clean water, or reliable healthcare.”
Karastathis: Extremely Dangerous Fault Line, 1,200 km Long, Crosses Cities – Risk of a Similar Earthquake in a Nearby Area
The director of the Geodynamic Institute, Vasilis Karastathis, described the fault that caused the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, which resulted in thousands of deaths, as particularly dangerous in an interview with ERT News.
“The affected area lies at the boundaries of tectonic plates. The fault responsible for the earthquake has enormous potential, having produced six major earthquakes over the last century, all above magnitude 7,” he stated. He emphasized that this is not just an ordinary seismic zone but a highly dangerous fault, stretching 1,200 kilometers across land and passing through cities.
“I believe it has all the characteristics to create a highly dangerous situation,” he warned, adding that “its structure is a perfectly straight, continuous formation—one of the largest linear faults. This unique property allows for exceptionally high rupture propagation speeds, making it even more hazardous.”
When asked about the high number of casualties, which is estimated to reach tens of thousands, Karastathis noted that in previous similar earthquakes, the death toll was not as high due to older building practices. “In the past, particularly in the 1950s and earlier, buildings were primarily low-rise wooden structures. These constructions likely posed a lower seismic risk compared to today’s concrete buildings, which, in many cases, may not have been built according to strict regulations. That will play a crucial role in determining the final casualty numbers.”
Regarding the aftershock sequence, he stated, “The aftershock activity will undoubtedly be extensive both in duration and number. There is also a real risk of another earthquake of similar magnitude occurring in a nearby section of the fault.” He pointed to historical precedents, explaining that “this 1,200-kilometer zone did not rupture entirely. There are various segments within this zone, and it is possible that another part could break. In 1929-1930, we saw three successive earthquakes in this region, and in 1946, there was a twin earthquake event.”
In conclusion, Karastathis emphasized that “seismic activity will remain intense for many months to come.”
International Aid
A team of 37 rescuers from China arrived in Yangon (the former capital of Myanmar) in the early hours, bringing advanced equipment and medicine, according to a Facebook post by the Chinese embassy.
Russia announced that it had sent 120 experienced rescuers with specially trained dogs, as well as doctors to treat the injured, according to the TASS news agency.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he had contacted officials in Myanmar, assuring them that Washington would provide assistance, though he did not provide further details.
Nine Dead in Thailand
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake and the powerful aftershocks that followed spread fear within a 1,000-kilometer radius. In Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, rescuers searched throughout the night for survivors in the rubble of a 33-story under-construction skyscraper that collapsed, burying dozens of workers. Thai authorities report that nine people have been found dead and around 100 remain missing. More than 400 residents of Bangkok camped in city parks, afraid to spend the night in their homes.
USGS Analysis and Estimated Death Toll
Analysts from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimate that the death toll in Myanmar could exceed 10,000 and that the cost of damage restoration will surpass the country’s GDP.
Death Toll Exceeds 1,000
According to a statement from Myanmar’s ruling junta, the number of deaths has risen to 1,002, with 2,376 people injured.
The highest number of casualties has been recorded in Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city.
Myanmar Faces Devastation After 7.7-Magnitude Mega-Quake
The situation remains dire in Myanmar following yesterday’s massive earthquake.
Death Toll Rises Dramatically
The number of deaths from the earthquake in Myanmar has risen to 694, with 1,670 injured, according to the latest update released by Myanmar authorities on Saturday morning.
The previous death toll had reported 144 fatalities.
29/03/2025 05:15
Condolences from Japan’s Prime Minister
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has expressed his condolences to the families of the victims of the powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday.
“I learned with deep sorrow about the extensive damage caused by the earthquake in central Myanmar. I extend my sincere condolences to all those affected,” the Japanese Prime Minister said in his statement.
“I sincerely pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and the swift restoration of the affected areas. We stand by the people of Myanmar during these difficult times,” he added.
29/03/2025 04:18
Major Cities in Myanmar Without Power
Two of Myanmar’s largest cities—Mandalay, which is close to the earthquake’s epicenter, and Yangon—have been without power since early Saturday, according to residents speaking to the BBC. Communication networks are also down.
29/03/2025 03:25
Chinese Rescue Team Sent to Myanmar
A rescue team from China, consisting of 37 personnel, is on its way to Myanmar, according to Chinese state media.
The CCTV television network reported that the team, along with their equipment, departed from an airport in southwestern China early Saturday morning (local time).
29/03/2025 01:35
“The Room Started Spinning,” Says Teacher in Bangkok – “We Had to Move the Children to Safety”
“It was really crazy… the blinds were shaking, I didn’t really understand what was happening,” a Northern Irish teacher told the BBC after evacuating students from a primary school in Bangkok.
Robb Falls, who works at the school, managed to escape unharmed. He described how the classroom “started spinning and swaying” as the tremors began.
“It was difficult to stay steady and move the children to a safe place. Some of the students were quite upset,” he said, emphasizing that teachers had to remain calm.
Rare Appeal for International Aid from Myanmar’s Military Junta
General Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of Myanmar’s ruling military junta, has called on all countries to provide assistance as the consequences of the devastating earthquake continue to escalate.
During Myanmar’s four-year civil war, Min Aung Hlaing had effectively isolated the country from the rest of the world. However, today he issued an “open invitation to any organizations and nations willing to come and help those in need,” adding that the death toll is likely to rise.
According to the latest report from Myanmar’s state broadcaster MRTV, at least 144 people have been killed and 732 injured due to the massive earthquake.
28/03/2025 22:48
UNICEF: The Earthquake Will Have “Devastating” Consequences for Children in Myanmar
The impact of today’s earthquake will be “devastating” for children living in Myanmar, a UNICEF spokesperson told the BBC.
Trevor Clarke, UNICEF’s emergency response advisor for the region, stated that Myanmar is “one of the most difficult places on the planet for children” and that this catastrophic earthquake “worsens their already dire situation.”
The spokesperson emphasized that the organization will assess the extent of the damage in the coming days. Meanwhile, UNICEF has announced that it is bringing supplies into Myanmar from abroad to help meet the basic needs of those affected.
Mother Gives Birth on Bangkok Street After Hospital Evacuations
A woman gave birth on a Bangkok street after hospitals were evacuated following an earthquake in neighboring Myanmar.
According to the BBC, the patient was lying on a stretcher as hospital staff assisted in ensuring a safe delivery.
At the same time, patients from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital and BNH had gathered in a park for safety, with some on stretchers and wheelchairs receiving care from medical staff.
March 28, 2025 – 21:48
Bangkok Parks Offer Shelter to the Displaced – “It Felt Like the End of the World”
Crowds gathered outside luxury hotels, office buildings, and shopping malls in Bangkok, while many sought refuge in Lumpini Park.
“I ran from the 7th floor of a shopping mall—it was chaos. It felt like the end of the world. People were screaming and running for shelter,” a 34-year-old teacher told Reuters.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt ordered four of the city’s largest parks to remain open overnight, providing food, water, and shelter to thousands unable to return home.
“When the earthquake hit, and the shaking intensified, I wasn’t sure I would survive,” said a woman who told a news outlet she was afraid to return to her office on the 10th floor of a building.
March 28, 2025 – 21:31
Bangkok: Drones, Sniffer Dogs, and Excavators Search for Survivors in the Rubble
Authorities in Bangkok are deploying all available resources to rescue as many people as possible.
As reported by the BBC, drones have gathered over the collapsed under-construction skyscraper, scanning for survivors.
Meanwhile, a team of sniffer dogs is on-site, along with large excavation machines and drills.
According to Myanmar’s state media MRTV, at least 144 people have died, and 732 have been injured due to the massive earthquake.
March 28, 2025 – 21:13
Traffic Gridlock in Bangkok – Public Transport Shut Down, Long Queues at Train Stations
Moving around Bangkok is becoming increasingly difficult as most major public transportation services, including the popular SkyTrain and metro, have shut down, Reuters reports.
Only buses remain operational, causing severe traffic congestion across the city.
Large queues have formed outside railway stations as people wait for services to resume.
Meanwhile, the BBC reports that renting a car or motorcycle through a ride-sharing app—similar to Uber—is nearly impossible, with prices soaring up to four times the usual rate.
March 28, 2025 – 20:42
Rescue Operation in Mandalay – “We’re Digging People Out with Our Bare Hands; They’re Screaming for Help,” Says Rescuer
“We need machines to reach the people trapped under the rubble,” a rescuer in Myanmar’s Mandalay told the BBC.
“We are digging people out with our bare hands. It’s not enough to retrieve the bodies or reach those still trapped beneath the debris,” he added.
“People are screaming, ‘Help me, help me.’ I feel so helpless,” he continued.
March 28, 2025 – 20:22
Seismologist Explains the Extremely Strong Myanmar Earthquake
“We were dealing with a major earthquake—a magnitude 7.7 event at a shallow focal depth. These two key factors contributed to the widespread devastation,” seismologist Efthymios Lekkas told ERT.
March 28, 2025 – 19:27
“People Were Falling, Walls Were Cracking” – Greek Expats Share Testimonies of Myanmar’s Deadly Quake
Greeks in Thailand described the 7.7-magnitude Myanmar earthquake as if it had happened right next to them.
March 28, 2025 – 19:25
At Least 140 Monks Trapped in Amarapura, Rescuer Reports
At least 140 monks are trapped in the collapsed Phaya Taug monastery in Amarapura, a rescuer told Reuters.
According to the rescuer, at least 30 bodies have been recovered from nearby debris by their organization. Many victims are in multi-story buildings, hotels, and residential complexes.
“I have never experienced anything like this—our city looks like it has collapsed,” they said, estimating that about 20% of the city’s buildings have been destroyed.
“We received calls for help from people inside [the buildings], but we can’t assist because we lack the manpower and machinery to clear the rubble,” they added, emphasizing that rescue efforts will not stop.
Myanmar Opposition Reports Severe Damage
The opposition in Myanmar reports that the earthquake has caused damage to “numerous buildings,” including cultural, religious, and community landmarks.
Additionally, landslides have occurred, and key roads and bridges have suffered “serious impacts.” The opposition states that an emergency meeting has taken place. Authorities are gathering reports on casualties and damages while also searching for missing people. At the same time, they warn that more buildings may collapse and that dam failures could occur due to structural cracks. It is worth noting that the opposition-led “National Unity Government” was formed in April 2021 by groups opposing the military junta that controls Myanmar, following the February 2021 coup.
Images of Destruction in Myanmar After the Earthquake
Scenes of devastation are emerging from Myanmar, while the military junta has yet to release an official death toll. While official figures mention 144 deaths, many believe the number will be much higher, especially in Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, home to 1.2 million people. A rescuer warned that there could be at least hundreds of casualties in the country.
‘Hundreds of Casualties’ in Myanmar After 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake
Myanmar Junta Appeals for Blood Donations
The Myanmar junta has called on volunteers to donate blood, which many interpret as an indication of the gravity of the situation. The full extent of the destruction caused by the earthquake remains unclear. n an urgent appeal, the junta is requesting blood and medical supplies, with a government spokesperson stating that there are “so many” injuries across three major urban centers.
63 Healthcare Units Affected in 17 Provinces of Thailand
Thailand’s Health Minister stated that the earthquake impacted 63 healthcare facilities across 17 provinces. Most of the damage consists of cracks that have not affected the structural integrity of the buildings. According to the Ministry of Public Health, patients and visitors were safely evacuated, and no injuries or deaths have been reported.
67 Workers Still Missing
The minister also referred to a building collapse. According to the National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEMS), 407 workers were present at the site at the time. So far, 340 have been located, while 67 remain missing. Three deaths have already been confirmed.
Government Mobilizes for Emergency Response
The government has decided to implement emergency measures and mobilize state resources. Among other actions, emergency medical teams have been formed, hospital beds secured for the injured, and a victim identification system activated in cooperation with forensic services. Immediate assessments of infrastructure damage are also underway. Additionally, psychological support teams, including over 1,000 mental health specialists, have been deployed. Communication and information teams have also been established, along with support mechanisms for victims’ families.
Rescuers Carry Survivor from Collapsed Building in Bangkok
Residents Take to the Streets in Bangkok
Videos posted on social media show residents of Bangkok gathering in the streets after the earthquake. Due to disruptions in public transportation, many people had to walk home.
Thailand Deploys Rescue Dogs in Search for Survivors
At Least 144 People Killed in Myanmar
Myanmar’s state-run MRTV reported that at least 144 people were killed and 732 were injured due to the massive earthquake.
Most Damaged Buildings in Bangkok Were Under Construction
Most of the buildings destroyed in Bangkok due to the earthquake were under construction, according to a spokesperson for Thailand’s military. Thailand’s Prime Minister and relevant government agencies held a meeting with the army commander to discuss emergency response efforts. Authorities have ordered the military Disaster Relief Center to deploy troops, equipment, and medical units to the affected areas. Damage to Thailand’s public transport system must be assessed before normal operations can resume, according to a spokesperson.
Moment Workers Flee as Building Collapses in Bangkok
Shwesayan Pagoda Collapses During the Earthquake
Earthquake Causes Injuries and Damage in China
The earthquake was also felt in China, particularly in the Yunnan and Sichuan provinces. Chinese media reported damages to homes and injuries in the border town of Ruili. A local news agency received a video from Ruili showing building debris scattered on a street and a person being carried on a stretcher to an ambulance. A resident also reported to a news website that the tremor in Mangshi was so strong that people could not stand upright.
Scenes from the Earthquake
Myanmar Issues Emergency Alert
Bangkok Governor Confirms Eight Deaths
Eight people have been confirmed dead in Bangkok, according to city governor Chadchart Sittipunt. Among the dead are seven people who perished at the collapsed construction site of a high-rise building.
Bangkok on Friday afternoon after the severe earthquake. Trains aren't running and taxis are scarce. So people have to walk home: pic.twitter.com/mr4zyFxdmh
— ฿คຖgk๐k-฿๐y – หนุ่มบางกอก(@Bangkokboy17) March 28, 2025
Myanmar’s Military Junta Appeals for Help
Central Myanmar, controlled by the military junta that seized power four years ago in a coup, has sustained the most significant damage from the 7.7-magnitude earthquake. The hardest-hit areas include Naypyidaw, the regime’s capital, and Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, where buildings collapsed and at least 20 people lost their lives. The death toll is expected to rise as rescuers search for survivors. Areas controlled by rebel forces opposed to the junta are further from the earthquake’s epicenter and appear to have largely been spared. However, damage reports from those areas may take longer to emerge.
Within hours of the earthquake, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing appealed for international assistance and declared a state of emergency in six regions, according to news agencies.
The regime’s plea for help contrasts with its previous stance, as the junta has historically obstructed the delivery of humanitarian aid during crises.
Drones and Rescue Dogs Deployed in Skyscraper Search Efforts
Rescue operations continue for construction workers trapped in a partially built skyscraper in Bangkok, hampered by nighttime conditions.
Police are using drones with heat-detection technology to locate survivors, while rescue dogs have been deployed, according to Thai media. The 30-story skyscraper was intended to house government offices.
Greek Citizens in Affected Areas Can Contact the Greek Consulate in Bangkok
Greek citizens in the earthquake-affected regions of Myanmar and Thailand can contact the Consulate of Greece in Bangkok.
In a post on X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated:
“Following the powerful earthquake in #Myanmar & #Thailand, Greek citizens in affected areas can contact the Consulate of Greece in Bangkok via:…”
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake has struck Myanmar, the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) announced today.
The earthquake had a focal depth of 10 kilometers.
There are currently no reports of casualties or serious damage.
#Earthquake confirmed by seismic data.
— EMSC (@LastQuake) March 28, 2025Preliminary info: M6.8 || 16 mi S of #Sagaing (#Myanmar) || 9 min ago (local time 13:02:18). Follow the thread for the updates
pic.twitter.com/PYE1YSdE9o
Authorities warn population of aftershocks.
Massive earthquake in Bangkok. I guess this swimming pool is broken#earthquake pic.twitter.com/cZoBBnD76s
— Reto Frei (@retofrei5) March 28, 2025
A powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, according to latest figures, shook Myanmar today and was felt as far away as Bangkok and neighbouring countries.
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