On March 28, 2025, Myanmar experienced one of the most devastating natural disasters in its recent history. A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.7 struck near the Sagaing Region, causing widespread destruction, fatalities, and panic across Myanmar and neighboring Thailand. The seismic event, which was followed by a significant aftershock of magnitude 6.4, has left the region grappling with immense humanitarian and economic challenges. This report delves into the details of the earthquake, its causes, impacts, and the ongoing response to the crisis.
The Earthquake: Key Details
Magnitude and Location
The earthquake occurred at 12:50 PM local time (06:20 UTC), with its epicenter located approximately 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing city and 19 kilometers northwest of Mandalay city (Economic Times, 2025). The quake struck at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, which amplified its destructive potential. Shallow earthquakes, like this one, tend to cause more severe surface damage compared to deeper quakes (Earthquake List, 2025).
Aftershocks
The main quake was followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock just 11 minutes later, located 21 kilometers south of the initial epicenter. Several smaller aftershocks, ranging from magnitudes 4.5 to 4.6, were recorded in the hours following the main event (Tempo, 2025).
Affected Areas
The earthquake impacted a vast region, including major cities such as Mandalay, Naypyidaw, and Sagaing in Myanmar. Tremors were felt as far away as Bangkok and Chiang Mai in Thailand, and even in parts of southwestern China (BBC, 2025).
Causes of the Earthquake
Myanmar lies along the Sagaing Fault, a major tectonic boundary between the Indian Plate and the Burma Microplate. This fault is known for its strike-slip motion, where tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally. The Sagaing Fault spans approximately 1,200 kilometers through central Myanmar and has a history of generating significant seismic activity (India Today, 2025).
The earthquake was classified as a doublet earthquake, meaning two seismic events of similar magnitude occurred within a short time and close proximity. This phenomenon is often caused by stress transfer along fault lines, which triggers subsequent ruptures (Tempo, 2025).
Humanitarian Impact
Fatalities and Injuries
As of the latest reports, the earthquake has caused 107 confirmed fatalities, with 352 injuries and 210 individuals reported missing or trapped. The numbers are expected to rise as rescue operations continue (Wikipedia, 2025).
Displacement and Vulnerable Populations
The Sagaing Region is home to 1.3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), constituting one-third of all IDPs in Myanmar. These individuals, already vulnerable due to ongoing conflict and displacement, are now further exposed to the devastating effects of the earthquake (ReliefWeb, 2025).
Infrastructure Damage
The earthquake caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including:
- The Ava Bridge in Mandalay, which collapsed into the Irrawaddy River (India Today, 2025).
- Several buildings in Mandalay and Naypyidaw, including hospitals and emergency facilities, were severely damaged or collapsed (BBC, 2025).
- Roads in Naypyidaw buckled, further complicating rescue and relief efforts (GDACS, 2025).
In Bangkok, Thailand, an under-construction high-rise building collapsed, resulting in one fatality and 50 injuries. The Thai government declared a state of emergency in the capital (Batam News Asia, 2025).
Economic Impact
The earthquake is expected to have a significant economic toll on Myanmar, a country already grappling with political instability and poverty. The destruction of key infrastructure, including bridges, roads, and buildings, will require substantial investment for reconstruction. Additionally, the disruption of economic activities in affected regions, such as Mandalay, will likely exacerbate the economic challenges faced by the country (Earthquake List, 2025).
Emergency Response and Challenges
Local Response
The Myanmar government has declared a state of emergency in affected regions and mobilized rescue teams. Hospitals in Mandalay, Naypyidaw, and Sagaing are overwhelmed with injured patients and are in urgent need of medical supplies and blood donations (Wikipedia, 2025).
International Assistance
Countries such as India and Thailand have offered assistance. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India is “ready to provide all help” to Myanmar and Thailand (Wikipedia, 2025). The European Union has also expressed its readiness to support relief efforts (Wikipedia, 2025).
Challenges
Myanmar’s ongoing political instability and conflict pose significant challenges to the delivery of humanitarian aid. The Sagaing Region, in particular, has been a hotspot for clashes between the military and resistance forces, complicating rescue and relief operations (BBC, 2025).
Lessons and Recommendations
Addressing Vulnerabilities
The earthquake has exposed Myanmar’s pre-existing vulnerabilities, including poor urban planning, inadequate infrastructure, and a strained healthcare system. Moving forward, it is crucial to:
- Strengthen building codes and enforce compliance to ensure earthquake-resistant structures.
- Invest in disaster preparedness and early warning systems.
- Address underlying socio-economic issues, such as poverty and conflict, that exacerbate the impact of natural disasters (Batam News Asia, 2025).
International Cooperation
Given the scale of the disaster, international cooperation will be essential for recovery. Humanitarian organizations and neighboring countries must work together to provide immediate relief and long-term support for rebuilding efforts (Amnesty International, 2025).
Conclusion
The 2025 Myanmar earthquake is a stark reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and resilience. While the immediate focus must remain on saving lives and providing relief, the long-term recovery process will require addressing the structural and systemic issues that make Myanmar so vulnerable to such events. The international community must stand in solidarity with Myanmar during this challenging time, ensuring that the affected populations receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.
References
- Economic Times. (2025, March 28). Myanmar, Bangkok Earthquake: The science behind the 7.7 magnitude tremor & its devastating impact. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/myanmar-bangkok-earthquake-the-science-behind-the-7-7-magnitude-tremor-its-devastating-impact/articleshow/119652125.cms
- India Today. (2025, March 28). Myanmar earthquake: Why this region is vulnerable to deadly seismic events. https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/myanmar-earthquake-thailand-why-this-region-is-vulnerable-deadly-seismic-events-explained-2700493-2025-03-28
- Earthquake List. (2025, March 28). On Friday Afternoon a DESTRUCTIVE M7.7 Earthquake struck near Mandalay in Myanmar. https://earthquakelist.org/news/2025/03/28/m7-7-earthquake-myanmar-1078688/
- Tempo. (2025, March 28). BMKG Explains Myanmar ‘Doublet’ Earthquake That Kills Several, Damages Buildings. https://en.tempo.co/read/1991612/bmkg-explains-myanmar-doublet-earthquake-that-kills-several-damages-buildings
- BBC. (2025, March 28). Myanmar: Major earthquake deals further blow to troubled country. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgwgmkmgzdo
- Wikipedia. (2025, March 28). 2025 Sagaing earthquake. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Sagaing_earthquake
- ReliefWeb. (2025, March 28). Myanmar: Earthquake – Mar 2025. https://reliefweb.int/disaster/eq-2025-000043-mmr
- Batam News Asia. (2025, March 28). Myanmar’s 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Reveals Mega Cracks in our Dreams of Modern Resilience. https://batamnewsasia.com/2025/03/28/myanmars-7-7-magnitude-earthquake-reveals-mega-cracks-in-our-dreams-of-modern-resilience/
- Amnesty International. (2025, March 28). Myanmar: Urgently facilitate access to humanitarian aid for earthquake survivors. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/03/myanmar-urgently-facilitate-access-to-humanitarian-aid-for-earthquake-survivors/
