By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar, causing widespread destruction and a rising death toll exceeding 144, with hundreds more injured. The quake’s impact extended across Southeast Asia, from rural Myanmar villages embroiled in civil war to Bangkok’s high-rises, resulting in building collapses and significant damage. Myanmar, already grappling with years of conflict and a weak infrastructure, faces immense challenges in disaster response, contrasting sharply with better-equipped neighboring countries like Thailand. The situation is further complicated by limited communication and access in conflict zones within Myanmar, hindering rescue efforts and aid delivery.
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A massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing, in central Myanmar, at 12:50:54 PM on March 28th, 2025. The quake’s shallow depth of 10 kilometers significantly amplified its destructive power, increasing the risk of widespread damage and loss of life. This shallowness, unlike deeper quakes which distribute energy over a wider area, concentrated the seismic energy near the surface, resulting in intense shaking.
The intensity of the shaking, categorized as “Violent” with “Heavy Damages,” is expected to have caused extensive destruction across a considerable area. Initial assessments suggest a devastating impact, with probabilities indicating a significant likelihood of casualties in the tens of thousands, potentially reaching into the hundreds of thousands. The estimated economic cost is also projected to be substantial, possibly exceeding tens of billions of dollars.
Reports from Bangkok, hundreds of kilometers away, confirm the earthquake’s far-reaching effects. The strong shaking experienced in Bangkok, a city with numerous high-rise buildings, highlights the quake’s immense power and underscores the potential for significant, unseen damage in Myanmar itself. The images and descriptions of swaying buildings, collapsing structures and flooded hallways paint a vivid picture of the widespread panic and disruption.
Twelve minutes after the initial quake, a 6.4-magnitude aftershock occurred. While aftershocks are expected following such a powerful earthquake, the relatively large magnitude of this particular aftershock is considered potentially positive. Typically, aftershocks are proportionally smaller, with a magnitude 1.0 to 1.2 less than the initial quake. This comparatively larger first aftershock suggests that the release of built-up seismic energy may be more complete, potentially reducing the likelihood of further large and damaging aftershocks.
The reports from across Southeast Asia underscore the earthquake’s extensive reach. People felt the shaking in locations as far away as northern Vietnam, Chiang Mai, Singapore, and even Malaysia. In Bangkok, high-rise residents described terrifying experiences, with buildings swaying violently, and some experiencing flooding in their hotels. Even in Jakarta, hundreds of kilometers away, sensitive lamps on a high floor were visibly shaking. This demonstrates the sheer power and energy released by the earthquake.
The impact on Myanmar is expected to be catastrophic. The country is already grappling with ongoing civil conflict, and the earthquake adds another layer of immense challenge. The initial reports suggest significant damage to infrastructure, including the collapse of buildings, bridges, and even an air traffic control tower in Mandalay. Hospitals have been damaged, further hindering rescue and recovery efforts. The military junta’s restrictions on communication are severely hampering information flow, making accurate assessment of the damage and casualties even more challenging.
The destruction observed in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, raises serious concerns about the situation in other populated areas, including Yangon and Bagan. Bagan, in particular, is known for its ancient temples and pagodas, many of which are vulnerable to seismic activity. The combination of the earthquake’s magnitude, its shallow depth, and the vulnerability of existing infrastructure paints a grim picture of potential devastation and loss of life. The lack of updated, comprehensive building codes exacerbates the impact, meaning that even smaller structures may not have been able to withstand the force of the earthquake.
The international community’s response will be crucial in the coming days and weeks. Myanmar’s existing political instability and ongoing conflict will significantly complicate the delivery of aid and relief efforts. The world’s attention must turn to supporting the people of Myanmar in the face of this devastating natural disaster, further highlighting the urgent need for international aid and support in a country already facing immense challenges. The scale of this disaster will undoubtedly require a coordinated and substantial international response.