- Southeast Asia reels from a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that killed at least six people in Myanmar and Thailand on Friday, March 28. The quake’s epicenter struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, with a shallow depth of 6.2 miles.
- A high-rise building collapsed in Bangkok, killing one and injuring dozens, prompting a declaration of a disaster emergency zone.
- Myanmar’s military declared a state of emergency in six regions, and authorities in both countries coordinated rescue efforts.
Full Story
A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Southeast Asia on Friday, March 28, collapsing buildings and killing at least six people across Myanmar and Thailand.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported the epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar, with the quake occurring at a shallow depth of 6.2 miles. A 6.4 magnitude aftershock followed shortly after.
In Thailand, a high-rise building under construction in Bangkok collapsed, killing at least one and injuring dozens, according to Thailand’s National Institute of Emergency Medicine.
About 320 workers were at the site when the structure fell. Roughly 70 people remain missing, and at least 20 remain trapped in an elevator shaft. The city declared a disaster emergency zone.
How did the earthquake impact Myanmar?
Myanmar’s ruling military declared a state of emergency in six regions, including Mandalay and Naypyitaw, following widespread destruction.
In Taungoo, three people died when a mosque partially collapsed during prayers, witnesses said. A hotel in Aung Ban crumbled, killing at least two more and trapping several others.
Authorities say a high-rise building under construction collapsed after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake rocked Thailand and neighboring Myanmar and possible casualties are not yet known. pic.twitter.com/5UE6HIKcBV
— The Associated Press (@AP) March 28, 2025
Images online showed buildings reduced to rubble, buckled roads and debris strewn across city streets. In Mandalay, parts of the historic palace wall and a clock tower reportedly collapsed.
What was the situation in Bangkok?
In Bangkok, buildings swayed for several minutes, triggering alarms and prompting evacuations. Office workers and hotel guests fled into the streets in panic, some in bathrobes and swimwear.
Video footage showed water spilling from a rooftop pool at a WeWork office as people ran for safety. Authorities suspended service on the city’s BTS and MRT rail lines while emergency teams responded.
Thai officials confirmed structural damage to multiple buildings and ongoing rescue efforts at the construction site. Police and emergency workers coordinated evacuations across the capital.
How has the region responded to the crisis?
The Royal Thai Police and Bangkok’s emergency teams lead rescue operations and assist evacuees.
In Myanmar, the military junta said it would provide humanitarian assistance and coordinate rescue efforts in affected zones. The region remains on high alert due to the potential for aftershocks.
Southwest China also felt tremors in Yunnan province, which borders Myanmar. Chinese authorities reported no injuries or damage.
As of Friday evening, authorities in both countries continue to assess damage and search for survivors. The full toll of the disaster remains unclear.
