KKN Gurugram Desk | On March 28, 2025, a powerful earthquake struck multiple countries, including China, Myanmar, Thailand, and parts of India, sending shockwaves across the region. The earthquake’s intensity was significant, with the first tremor hitting at 12:50 PM local time, measuring 7.7 magnitude on the Richter scale. A second, slightly weaker tremor, measuring 6.4 magnitude, followed just 12 minutes later.

The earthquake caused severe damage, particularly in Myanmar, where the situation is becoming increasingly dire. Local authorities, including the Myanmar military, have reported catastrophic destruction and loss of life, with the death toll climbing rapidly. This event has prompted emergency responses and calls for international aid. Here’s a detailed update on the earthquake’s aftermath and the ongoing rescue efforts in the affected regions.

Earthquake Impact in Myanmar and Thailand

The earthquake, which occurred near Sagaing, Myanmar, sent shockwaves across Southeast Asia. The epicenter was located about 16 km NNW of Sagaing, Myanmar, but the tremors were felt as far as Thailand and China, affecting millions of people.

Myanmar Earthquake: Catastrophic Destruction and Rising Death Toll

Myanmar has borne the brunt of the earthquake’s devastating effects. As of March 29, 2025, the death toll in Myanmar has risen to over 1,000, according to reports from the Myanmar military. Entire buildings collapsed, and rescue operations are ongoing in affected areas.

In Yangon, Mandalay, and surrounding areas, large structures have crumbled to the ground. Many people are feared trapped under rubble, and rescue teams are working tirelessly to find survivors. According to local eyewitnesses, the tremors were so intense that entire buildings swayed, and in some cases, structures collapsed without warning.

Myanmar’s military junta has issued a formal appeal for international assistance, as local resources are quickly being overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster. The junta confirmed that various parts of the country, including major urban centers, have suffered extensive damage, with buildings, roads, and bridges destroyed.

Rescue Operations Underway in Thailand

Thailand also felt the earthquake’s impact, particularly in Bangkok, where several buildings, including shopping malls and high-rises, were damaged. JJ Mall Chatuchak, a popular shopping center in Bangkok, suffered severe structural damage and collapsed after the earthquake. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with heavy machinery like JCB excavators deployed to remove debris.

Reports suggest that nearly 80 people are trapped under the rubble in Bangkok, and emergency teams are working around the clock to save them. The Thai government has confirmed that at least 10 people have died in the collapse, with many more injured.

In a distressing report, a passenger from Bangkok, Dilip Agarwal, recounted the terrifying experience of witnessing a building collapse while inside a shopping mall. He described the panic that spread as people rushed to escape, with several buildings collapsing due to the intense shaking.

Eyewitness Accounts of the Earthquake

Several people who were in the affected regions when the earthquake struck have shared harrowing tales of survival. A passenger from Bangkok, Alok Mittal, who was in a shopping mall at the time of the earthquake, recounted how they were stuck on the streets for over six hours after the tremors. Fortunately, Mittal was on the ground floor of the mall when the earthquake hit, and they were able to evacuate quickly. Mittal further described how shopkeepers rushed out of the building in panic, and how the streets of Bangkok were filled with chaos.

The earthquake caused widespread panic in Bangkok, with many people rushing to find safety and shelter. In Myanmar, the situation was even more chaotic, with people frantically searching for loved ones and securing their homes.

Timeline of the Earthquake’s Impact

March 28, 2025 – First Earthquake:

• At 12:50 PM local time, the first earthquake hit Myanmar with a 7.7 magnitude tremor. The shockwaves spread rapidly to neighboring countries like Thailand and China. The earthquake was felt strongly in urban centers like Yangon, Mandalay, and Bangkok.

• Just 12 minutes later, a second 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck, causing additional damage. This second shock compounded the destruction already caused by the first, leaving little time for people to recover or escape.

• Buildings and infrastructure in Myanmar and Thailand were severely impacted. Entire districts in Yangon and Mandalay saw buildings collapse, and many people were trapped under the debris.

March 29, 2025 – Rescue Operations:

• Rescue operations are actively underway, with teams working tirelessly to clear rubble in Bangkok and Myanmar. The JCB machines have been deployed in JJ Mall Chatuchak, Bangkok, where rescuers are trying to extract survivors from the collapsed structures.

• The death toll in Myanmar continues to rise, with over 1,000 reported dead and many more feared trapped under the rubble.

• Eyewitnesses, including travelers and locals, have shared chilling accounts of the earthquake’s devastation. The reports of collapsing buildings and panicked crowds have painted a grim picture of the situation.

International Aid and Response

Given the severity of the situation, international aid has become crucial for the affected countries. Myanmar’s military junta has reached out to global humanitarian organizations, seeking assistance with both rescue operations and providing essential relief to the affected regions.

The Thai government has also requested aid for Bangkok, with an emphasis on medical supplies, food, and temporary shelter for those displaced by the earthquake. Several countries, including India, China, and others, have already pledged support, offering to send rescue teams and relief materials to the affected areas.

Earthquake’s Effect on India

Though India was not the epicenter of the earthquake, tremors were still felt in parts of Northeastern India and areas near the Myanmar border. Assam, Nagaland, and Meghalaya reported minor tremors, though there were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties in India.

However, the Indian government has issued a national advisory to stay alert, particularly in areas prone to aftershocks. Experts are monitoring seismic activity closely, as aftershocks are often expected following such strong earthquakes.

What Can We Learn from the Earthquake?

The earthquake of March 28, 2025, serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability and power of nature. In a region that is vulnerable to seismic activity, preparedness and rapid response are crucial to minimizing the loss of life and damage.

Key takeaways include:

1. Early warning systems: The importance of effective early warning systems cannot be overstated. These systems can give people the time they need to evacuate buildings and seek shelter before the shaking begins.

2. Disaster preparedness: Governments and citizens alike need to be better prepared for natural disasters, with established evacuation routes, reliable communication systems, and strong infrastructure to withstand such events.

3. International cooperation: In the face of such large-scale disasters, international cooperation is essential. Countries need to collaborate to provide aid and resources to the most affected areas to speed up recovery.

4. Post-disaster recovery: Once the immediate danger has passed, long-term recovery efforts are crucial. These include rebuilding infrastructure, providing psychological support to survivors, and addressing the economic impact on affected communities.

The earthquake that struck Myanmar, Thailand, and surrounding regions on March 28, 2025, has left a lasting impact on the affected countries. With a magnitude of 7.7, followed by a 6.4 aftershock, the tremors wreaked havoc in Myanmar, Thailand, and other neighboring countries. The death toll continues to rise, and rescue operations are still in progress. As the international community comes together to provide aid, the lessons learned from this disaster will shape future responses to similar events.