Situation Report
A catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, with its epicenter near Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city.
The quake has claimed over 1,700 lives, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue operations continue. The tremor caused widespread destruction, toppling buildings and leaving thousands trapped under rubble.
The Sagaing region, close to Mandalay, has been particularly hard-hit, with many areas isolated due to damaged infrastructure, including a vital bridge over the Irrawaddy River.
Impact on Thailand
The earthquake’s effects were felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand, where a high-rise under construction collapsed, trapping dozens.
The Thai capital experienced significant shaking, prompting widespread panic and evacuation of buildings.
The death toll in Thailand has reached 18 as of Sunday March 30th, with many more injured or missing.
International Response & Rescue Efforts
In a rare move, Myanmar’s military government has called for international assistance, and aid is beginning to arrive. Rescue teams from various countries are joining local efforts to search for survivors and provide relief.
The efforts are hampered by the scale of the destruction and the isolation of many affected areas. The earthquake is the most powerful to hit Myanmar in over a century, and its impact has been exacerbated by the country’s fragile state due to the ongoing civil war.
Authorities warn that the full extent of the casualties and damage may take weeks to assess.
As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on saving lives and providing aid to those affected by this tragic event.
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