A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, causing widespread devastation, particularly in the city of Mandalay. Survivors have described the scene as tragic, with reports of collapsed buildings and significant casualties, including at least 144 fatalities and over 700 injuries.
- Mandalay experienced severe earthquake damage.
- Over 700 people injured, 144 confirmed dead.
- Limited access for foreign journalists reported.
- Military junta seeks international humanitarian aid.
- Buildings, including mosques, collapsed during quake.
- Personal accounts highlight widespread panic and destruction.
The earthquake’s impact was felt across Myanmar, with tremors reported in neighboring countries, including China and Thailand. In Mandalay, significant infrastructure was damaged, including parts of the historic royal palace and a 90-year-old bridge. Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scenes as hospitals struggled to accommodate the influx of injured individuals, with patients lying on gurneys outside Nay Pyi Taw General Hospital.
Key statistics from the earthquake include:
- Magnitude: 7.7
- Confirmed deaths: 144
- Injuries reported: Over 700
Survivors recounted harrowing experiences, with one woman mentioning hearing cries from those trapped in a collapsed hotel. The military junta has declared a state of emergency in six regions and made a rare appeal for international humanitarian assistance. Many residents are still in shock, with reports of entire neighborhoods rendered unrecognizable.
The earthquake has left a significant mark on the country, with many communities facing an urgent need for aid and recovery efforts. As the situation develops, the international community is being called upon to assist in the humanitarian response.
