On March 28, 2025, two powerful earthquakes struck Myanmar, with magnitudes reported as 7.7 and 6.4 by the united states Geological Survey (USGS). The first tremor occurred at 12:50 PM local time, 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing, causing significant tremors felt in neighboring countries, including Thailand.
- Magnitude 7.7 and 6.4 earthquakes in Myanmar
- Tremors felt in Thailand and neighboring regions
- Buildings damaged and roads buckled in Myanmar
- Residents evacuated from high-rise buildings in Bangkok
- Thai Prime Minister calls for urgent meeting
- Myanmar experiences frequent earthquakes historically
Reports indicate that the earthquakes resulted in structural damage, with roads buckled and debris falling from buildings. Residents in Bangkok experienced strong vibrations, prompting evacuations from high-rise buildings.
The earthquakes in Myanmar highlight the region’s seismic activity, particularly along the Sagaing Fault, which has a history of significant quakes. The USGS noted that the first earthquake was recorded at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), while the China Earthquake Networks Center reported a slightly higher magnitude of 7.9. The tremors were felt widely, with reports of impacts reaching as far as Yunnan province in China.
In Bangkok, the tremors caused panic among residents, leading many to flee from high-rise buildings. Eyewitness accounts describe water sloshing out of pools and structural damage to buildings, including a collapse at a construction site in the Chatuchak area. Some individuals are reportedly trapped under the rubble, prompting emergency response efforts.
- Magnitude of the first earthquake: 7.7 (USGS) / 7.9 (CENC).
- Depth of the first tremor: 10 km (6 miles).
- Location of the epicenter: 16 km northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar.
As the situation develops, officials in Thailand, including Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, have convened urgent meetings to assess the damage and coordinate emergency responses. The region’s medical services, already strained, may face additional challenges in providing care for those affected by the earthquakes.
The earthquakes in Myanmar serve as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic events, with historical records indicating that strong quakes have occurred in the past. As recovery efforts begin, the focus will be on assessing damage and providing assistance to those affected.
