Kumar Bahukhandi
Strong earthquake tremors have caused massive destruction in Myanmar
Myanmar’s ruling military government (junta) has imposed emergency in six states after the earthquake and has appealed for international assistance, but the true picture of the destruction is not yet known as many affected areas remain difficult to reach.
The powerful earthquake of 7.7 magnitude and its subsequent aftershock of 6.4 magnitude caused massive devastation in Myanmar. So far, 144 people have died in this disaster and 732 people are reported to be injured. This figure is expected to rise further, this information was given by the head of Myanmar’s military government (Junta). Many buildings, bridges and historical buildings have collapsed due to the earthquake. Due to this, many people are buried under the rubble. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter of the earthquake was 17.2 km away from Mandalay city, where about 1.5 million people live. Apart from Mandalay, the tremendous effect of the earthquake was also felt in Sagaing, Naypyidaw and other areas.
Army declares emergency, seeks international help
Myanmar’s ruling military government (junta) has imposed a state of emergency in six states and appealed for international aid, but the true picture of the destruction is not yet known as many affected areas are difficult to reach. In the pictures going viral on social media, collapsed buildings, cracked roads and ruined houses can be seen.
Impact in Thailand too, 117 people trapped
Along with Myanmar, Thailand was also shaken by the earthquake. 8 people were killed and dozens of workers were rescued from under the debris of a skyscraper under construction in Bangkok. It is being told that about 117 people are still trapped, and a massive rescue operation is going on. Another person died at a different place in Thailand.
Historical monuments were also damaged
According to Myanmar state media, the earthquake caused buildings to collapse in 5 cities and towns, as well as a railway bridge and a road bridge on the Yangon-Mandalay Rxpress way. The historic 90-year-old Ava Bridge in Mandalay collapsed into the Irrawaddy River after the powerful earthquake. Several pictures and videos emerging from Myanmar show a collapsed clock tower and damaged parts of the historic Mandalay Palace.
Red Cross expressed concern over dams
The International Red Cross agency has expressed concern about the condition of large dams in Myanmar and confirmed serious damage to public infrastructure, with the country’s northwest being the worst affected. Mary Manrique, a senior Red Cross official, said public infrastructure including roads, bridges and public buildings has been damaged. We are particularly concerned about large-scale dams and people are closely monitoring their condition.
Emergency declared in 6 areas
Myanmar has declared a state of emergency in six regions, including Sagaing, Mandalay and the capital Naypyidaw, following a powerful earthquake on Friday March 28, 2025 . Authorities are prioritising rescue operations, but with many bridges damaged, reaching many affected areas is a challenge.
