In a catastrophic event that has sent shockwaves through Southeast Asia, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar near the bustling city of Mandalay on Friday afternoon, devastating communities and extending its destructive reach into Thailand, notably impacting the heart of Bangkok.
The quake, confirmed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), was centered just 17 kilometers from Mandalay at a shallow depth of around 10 kilometers, amplifying the violent shaking and resulting in massive structural damage. The initial quake, which struck at approximately 12:50 PM local time on 28 March, was followed closely by a significant aftershock of magnitude 6.7, exacerbating the devastation.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reassures travelers that following the March 28, 2025 earthquake, all operations have resumed and the nation is safe for visitors. Businesses, attractions, and convention centers are open, with ongoing safety assessments to ensure continued peace of mind.
Myanmar’s military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, announced in a somber televised address that at least 150 people have tragically lost their lives, with over 730 others injured. “We face an unprecedented crisis,” he stated, urgently calling for international humanitarian assistance. “We need immediate help from any willing nation, organization, or individual.”
Across the affected region, rescue operations continue frantically as emergency responders race against time. Multiple multi-story buildings have collapsed, notably in Mandalay and Naypyidaw, Myanmar’s capital, trapping hundreds beneath debris. In Naypyidaw, the city’s largest hospital has become overwhelmed, forced to treat victims outside amidst crumbled structures, clearly overwhelmed by the magnitude of this disaster.
Footage circulating widely on social media captured harrowing scenes of chaos. In Mandalay, terrified residents recounted how the ground shook violently, tossing furniture and collapsing walls. “Everything started shaking suddenly, and we just ran outside,” said one resident, visibly traumatized. Images revealed bridges severed, highways ruptured, and iconic landmarks like the revered pagoda spires lying shattered, symbolic of the quake’s destructive force.
Plan International has confirmed that houses and other buildings have collapsed not just in Myanmar but in neighbouring Thailand as well. Tremors have even been felt as far as India. In response, Plan International is deploying teams closer to the epicentre in Mandalay to assess what communities—especially children—need most urgently and to provide humanitarian assistance.
Haider Yaqub, Country Director for Plan International in Myanmar, currently based in Yangon, stated:
“Although a full picture of the damage is still emerging, most of us have never seen such destruction. There are high levels of stress and anxiety, as people are trying to reach their relatives and disinformation is spreading on social media.
“Without a doubt, the humanitarian needs will be significant. We are working hard to make contact with communities in the hardest hit areas in and around Mandalay, but already, we know that critical infrastructure has been destroyed, with landlines not functioning, and that houses and other buildings have collapsed not just in Myanmar but in neighbouring Thailand as well.
“This disaster strikes when Myanmar is already grappling with conflict, and we are extremely concerned about the toll that yet another crisis will take on children, especially girls, and their families.
“Plan International, which has worked in Myanmar since 2008, has experienced staff in the country. We are working urgently to get additional teams on the ground, assess needs and stand ready to provide support.”
The crisis has deepened Myanmar’s existing struggles, exacerbated by the ongoing civil unrest following the 2021 military coup. Humanitarian agencies fear the nation’s weakened infrastructure will significantly impede rescue and recovery efforts.
Thailand, too, faces a severe crisis due to the earthquake’s proximity and intensity. Bangkok experienced dramatic tremors, causing panic across the densely populated metropolis. The Thai government swiftly declared a state of emergency in the capital after a catastrophic collapse at a high-rise construction site, where at least 43 workers remain trapped under mountains of rubble and twisted metal. Officials confirmed ten fatalities, with fears that the death toll could rise substantially.
Thailand’s Prime Minister issued an urgent statement appealing for calm but emphasized the gravity of the situation. “Our immediate priority is rescuing survivors and stabilizing impacted areas,” he announced, vowing extensive aid and rapid response measures.
Witnesses in Bangkok described harrowing scenes of chaos as buildings trembled, sending thousands scrambling into the streets. In an unprecedented move, the Stock Exchange of Thailand temporarily suspended trading, underscoring the quake’s economic repercussions. Public transit services, including MRT and BTS trains, experienced temporary suspension due to safety concerns, though operations have since partially resumed.
Dan Richards standing in operations room.
Global Rescue, a leading provider of emergency evacuation and travel risk management services, promptly mobilized its crisis response teams. CEO Dan Richards assured, “Our emergency personnel are actively monitoring developments and ready to assist with immediate recovery and evacuation efforts.” Richards emphasized the vital importance of preparedness and swift evacuation in disaster scenarios, lessons drawn from past interventions in earthquakes in Haiti and Nepal.
“Earthquakes strike without warning, and swift action is crucial,” noted Harding Bush, Global Rescue’s Associate Director of Security and a former Navy SEAL. “Ensuring devices remain charged and carrying critical documents at all times could be lifesaving during prolonged outages or infrastructure failures.”
This devastating earthquake occurred along the notoriously active Sagaing fault, historically responsible for significant seismic activity. Professor Bill McGuire, a leading expert from University College London, cautioned that due to the quake’s shallow depth, “the structural damage in Myanmar could be catastrophic, given the fragile construction standards widespread in the region.”
Experts fear the toll could rise sharply. The USGS grimly predicted casualties might surpass 10,000, considering the quake’s magnitude and shallow epicenter. The tremors extended into China’s southwestern province of Yunnan, compelling evacuations and raising alarms about regional seismic safety.
The international community quickly voiced solidarity and support. The United Nations, European Union, and multiple countries have pledged assistance, though specific details remain forthcoming. Humanitarian organizations are rapidly mobilizing resources, emphasizing the critical need for international cooperation amid Myanmar’s current political instability and constrained resources.
“Myanmar urgently needs substantial international support to manage this crisis effectively,” said Zin Mar Aung, spokesperson for Myanmar’s opposition National Unity Government. “Every second counts, and we urge global communities to stand in solidarity.”
Plan International has committed to coordinating with local authorities and peer humanitarian agencies, including participating in a joint needs assessment with the United Nations, to ensure an effective and unified emergency response.
As aid begins to flow, officials emphasize preventive measures for travelers and residents alike. Global Rescue advises immediate evacuation if authorities recommend, stressing that delayed action might drastically increase risks. Bush highlighted the importance of maintaining traditional communication means alongside digital technology, cautioning against relying solely on cell phones during power disruptions.
Meanwhile, travel companies operating in the region, including EXO Travel and Smiling Albino, reported minimal disruptions outside directly impacted zones, confirming all their guests and staff remain safe and operations largely unaffected in coastal and southern Thailand.
This earthquake, one of the most significant globally since the catastrophic 2023 tremor in Turkey and Syria, starkly underscores the region’s vulnerability and the imperative for strengthened infrastructure resilience.
Rescue efforts continue amid fears of mounting casualties, with aid agencies urging swift, coordinated international support to alleviate further humanitarian suffering. As Myanmar and Thailand grapple with the catastrophic aftermath, global solidarity remains crucial in overcoming one of the region’s most devastating natural disasters in recent memory.
Written by Kanda Limw on location in Bangkok
