Massive Earthquake Strikes Myanmar, Triggers Panic Across Southeast Asia; Bangkok Declares Emergency

Bangkok: A massive earthquake hit Myanmar on Friday, sending strong tremors across Southeast Asia and causing severe damage. The quake led to the collapse of a high-rise in Bangkok, prompting emergency measures in the Thai capital.

M7.7 #Earthquake hits #MYANMAR

Video showing people being rescued from the rubles of the collapsed buildings.pic.twitter.com/npI2IkTwkU

— ⚡NOISE ALERTS⚡ (@NoiseAlerts) March 28, 2025

Emergency Declared in Bangkok

Following the tremors, Bangkok authorities declared an emergency, shutting down metro services, airports, and businesses as a precaution. Several buildings were evacuated, though no immediate casualties were reported in the city.

Videos circulating online showed skyscrapers swaying, people running for safety, and water overflowing from infinity pools.

A resident in Chiang Mai described the experience:
“I was sleeping when the tremors woke me up. I ran outside in my pajamas,” he told AFP.

Twin Earthquakes Shake the Region

Myanmar experienced two major earthquakes, measuring 7.7 and 6.4 in magnitude, with the epicenter near Sagaing. The tremors were felt in Thailand, northeastern India, Bangladesh, and China’s Yunnan province, causing panic among residents.

In Bangkok, located 900 km from the epicenter, a high-rise under construction collapsed in the Chatuchak district, killing two laborers and trapping over 40 people. Residents fled their homes as buildings swayed and water spilled from rooftop pools.

The #earthquake shakes #Thailand as water cascades from the pool of a high-rise building. #Myanmar #MyanmarEarthquake https://t.co/xZazhLImIK pic.twitter.com/1Jz8YpLgGP

— Shanghai Daily (@shanghaidaily) March 28, 2025

India Extends Support

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the situation and offered India’s assistance in relief efforts.

“Praying for the safety and well-being of all affected. India is ready to provide all possible assistance. Our authorities are in touch with Myanmar and Thailand,” Modi stated on X (formerly Twitter).

Casualties and Damage in Myanmar

• At least three people died after a mosque partially collapsed.
• The historic Ava Bridge in Mandalay fell into the Irrawaddy River.
• Authorities are conducting rescue operations and assessing further damage.

Myanmar’s History of Earthquakes

Myanmar sits along the Sagaing Fault, a highly active seismic zone. The country frequently experiences earthquakes, including a 6.8-magnitude quake in 2016 that struck Bagan, killing three people and damaging historic temples.

With Myanmar already grappling with civil unrest and limited medical infrastructure, rescue and relief efforts face additional challenges. Authorities in Myanmar and Thailand continue to assess the full extent of the damage, while emergency teams work to locate survivors.