The quake toppled multiple buildings, damaged the historic royal palace, and caused the collapse of the Ava Bridge, a crucial road-and-rail link
ABC News
On Friday, March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, with tremors felt as far as Thailand, Cambodia, and India. While Myanmar bore the brunt of the disaster, Thailand also faced significant destruction.
In Myanmar, the earthquake hit the ancient city of Mandalay, causing widespread devastation. The initial death toll was reported at 140, but as rescue efforts continued, the number kept rising. The quake toppled multiple buildings, damaged the historic royal palace, and caused the collapse of the Ava Bridge, a crucial road-and-rail link. Other major cities, including Naypyidaw and Yangon, also suffered severe structural damage, prompting officials to warn that the death toll would likely climb further.
In Thailand, the effects were most severe in Bangkok, where a 33-story high-rise collapsed, killing at least eight people and trapping dozens under the rubble. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with teams racing against time to locate 47 missing individuals believed to be buried beneath the debris.
As natural disasters like earthquakes and flooding become more frequent due to climate change, cities worldwide have been adapting their infrastructure to withstand such events. However, unlike earthquake-prone countries like Japan, Mandalay was not adequately prepared for a quake of this magnitude, resulting in catastrophic destruction.
In response to the crisis, China, Russia, and India quickly deployed rescue teams to Myanmar to assist in relief efforts. By Saturday, March 29, the Myanmar military reported that the death toll had surpassed 1,600. The situation worsened further by March 31, with casualties rising to 2,056, over 3,900 reported injuries, and nearly 270 people still missing.
Among the hardest-hit locations was the U Hla Thein Monastery, where an estimated 150 monks perished in the collapse. Additionally, around 700 Muslim worshippers attending Friday prayers were killed when a mosque collapsed during the quake.
With Myanmar already struggling due to ongoing internal conflict, the earthquake has added another layer of devastation, leaving thousands in desperate need of aid. Rescue teams continue to search for survivors, but limited access to heavy machinery is hindering efforts. As the crisis unfolds, the true scale of the disaster is yet to be fully realized.
