A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Southeast Asia on Friday, March 28, 2025, unleashing widespread destruction and claiming a significant number of lives in both Thailand and neighboring Myanmar. The tremors resonated strongly in Bangkok, the Thai capital, leading to the tragic collapse of a high-rise building under construction and prompting urgent rescue operations.
In Bangkok, the earthquake triggered widespread panic as buildings swayed and residents fled into the streets. The collapse of a construction site near the bustling Chatuchak Market trapped numerous workers beneath the rubble, resulting in confirmed fatalities and a growing number of missing persons. Thai authorities have reported that at least 10 people have died in Bangkok, with fears that the death toll will significantly increase. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared a state of emergency in Bangkok and ordered immediate structural inspections of all high-rise buildings in the city. The earthquake has severely disrupted infrastructure, affecting transportation and communication networks.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located within Myanmar, where the impact was equally devastating. Reports indicate extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure across cities such as Naypyitaw and Mandalay. Early reports from Myanmar indicate that the death toll has surpassed 140, and is expected to rise further. Myanmar has issued an urgent appeal for international aid to support rescue and relief efforts. The U.S. Geological Survey has issued a “red alert,” warning of the potential for a high number of fatalities and significant economic repercussions.
Emergency services in both Thailand and Myanmar have been deployed to respond to the disaster. International aid organizations are mobilizing to provide assistance to the affected areas. Rescue workers are working tirelessly to locate and rescue those trapped in the rubble of collapsed structures. The region is experiencing aftershocks, which are hampering rescue efforts and causing further panic. This situation is rapidly evolving, and updates will be provided as they become available.
