On March 28, 2025, at 12:50:54 MMT (06:20:54 UTC), Myanmar experienced its most powerful earthquake in over a century. With a magnitude of 7.7 as per the US Geological Survey (USGS)—or 8.2 according to the Thai Meteorological Department—the seismic event struck Sagaing Region near Mandalay, unleashing widespread destruction and leaving over 1,000 dead and thousands injured across Myanmar and neighboring Thailand. This natural calamity is a grim reminder of the region's vulnerability to seismic disasters and the urgent need for better preparedness.
Why Myanmar is Susceptible to Earthquakes
Myanmar's geography places it at the intersection of four major tectonic plates: the Indian, Eurasian, Sunda, and Burma plates. The Sagaing Fault, a prominent strike-slip fault running through the country, makes cities such as Mandalay, Yangon, and Naypyidaw highly vulnerable to seismic activity. Despite its history of earthquakes, the region remains under-researched, leaving it unprepared for such massive disasters. The 2025 earthquake is an alarming wake-up call to address this lack of preparation and improve infrastructure.
The Sagaing Earthquake: A Closer Look
The devastating earthquake had a shallow depth of 10 km (6.2 mi), resulting in intense surface shaking rated at MMI IX. Stretching along the Sagaing-Mandalay border, the rupture extended an estimated 500 km (310 mi). The violent shaking was felt across several countries, including Thailand, India, China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Laos, and beyond. Over 100 aftershocks followed, with the strongest measuring Mw 6.7, further complicating rescue operations and recovery efforts.
Widespread Destruction Across Myanmar Casualties and Human Toll Myanmar bore the brunt of the disaster, with 1,002 lives lost, over 2,400 people injured, and hundreds still missing. Major affected areas include Mandalay, Sagaing, Naypyidaw, Shan State, and Bago Region.
Infrastructure Devastation
- Mandalay: Half of the city's buildings collapsed or sustained severe damage.
- Naypyidaw: Government buildings, military headquarters, and hospitals faced immense structural failures.
- Sagaing: Collapsed bridges and mosques highlighted the widespread infrastructural ruin.
- Religious Sites: More than 50 mosques, temples, and monasteries were destroyed.
- Transportation: Roads buckled, bridges collapsed, and Mandalay International Airport reported significant damage.
Additionally, ongoing civil conflicts posed further challenges to relief efforts, with military airstrikes continuing in resistance-controlled areas even as humanitarian needs surged.
Impact in Thailand
While Myanmar endured the worst devastation, Thailand faced significant challenges, particularly in Bangkok and northern provinces. The earthquake caused 10 fatalities and 68 injuries in Thailand.
Bangkok's Struggles
- A 30-story building under construction in Chatuchak collapsed, killing 7 workers and leaving 85 unaccounted for.
- Several cranes fell, obstructing major expressways.
- The Park Origin Thonglor condominium sky bridge suffered significant damage.
Widespread Infrastructure Damage
- Over 2,000 buildings reported structural cracks.
- Hospitals and shopping centers in Chiang Mai, Lampang, and Mae Hong Son were impacted.
- Public transport services were suspended, leading to massive traffic congestion in Bangkok.
Global Ripple Effects
The earthquake's tremors were felt far beyond Myanmar and Thailand:
- China: Homes were damaged, and two people sustained injuries in Yunnan Province.
- India: Shaking extended to Delhi, Kolkata, Imphal, and Meghalaya.
- Bangladesh: Evacuations occurred in Dhaka, Sylhet, and Chittagong.
- Vietnam and Laos: Residents evacuated from high-rise buildings in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Vientiane.
- Malaysia: Penang, Kedah, and Kelantan recorded moderate tremors.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
Myanmar's Response Myanmar authorities declared a state of emergency. However, political instability and ongoing conflicts limited international aid availability. Power outages and telecommunication failures further hampered rescue efforts.
Thailand's Actions
Bangkok authorities inspected over 700 buildings and launched search operations at collapsed sites. The Stock Exchange of Thailand suspended trading to mitigate investors' panic.
Lessons Learned from the 2025 Sagaing Earthquake
This catastrophic event highlights critical areas that demand urgent attention:
- Improved Building Standards: Myanmar and its neighbors must enforce earthquake-resistant infrastructure regulations.
- Public Awareness: Communities should be educated about seismic risks and disaster preparedness.
- Emergency Response Coordination: Regional cooperation is crucial for effective disaster relief efforts.
- Advanced Seismic Monitoring: Enhanced research and technology can help identify high-risk zones and predict future events.
Conclusion
The Mw 7.7 Sagaing earthquake of 2025 is one of the most devastating disasters in Myanmar's history. With over 1,000 deaths, extensive damage, and millions affected across Asia, this event underscores the need for seismic preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and international collaboration. As Myanmar and Thailand navigate the recovery phase, lessons from this tragedy must shape future strategies to mitigate the impact of earthquakes in vulnerable regions.