Mandalay, Myanmar, LOGIC.co.id – The powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday, March 28, 2025, continues to leave devastation and grief. The 7.7 magnitude quake, centered in the Sagaing region near Mandalay, has claimed 1,700 lives and injured thousands more, according to the latest reports from Myanmar’s military government. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.
Chronology and Impact of the Earthquake
The first earthquake occurred at approximately 12:50 local time, followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock just 12 minutes later, according to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter was about 17.2 kilometers from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city with a population of 1.5 million. The tremors were felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand—more than 1,000 kilometers away—as well as in parts of Vietnam, China, and Bangladesh.
In Myanmar, hundreds of buildings collapsed, including mosques, pagodas, monasteries, and apartment buildings. Reports indicate that at least 50 mosques crumbled during Friday prayers, killing nearly 300 people. In Mandalay, rescue teams are still digging through the rubble, some with their bare hands. A woman was successfully rescued after being trapped under the debris of an apartment building for 30 hours.
Meanwhile, in Bangkok, a skyscraper under construction collapsed due to the tremors, killing at least eight people and leaving 80-90 construction workers trapped. Thailand has reported 11 affected provinces, with a total of 101 people still missing.
Predicted Casualties and International Response
USGS estimates that the death toll in Myanmar could reach 10,000, considering the shallow quake depth (10 kilometers) and the population density in the affected areas. Myanmar’s military junta, which is typically secretive, has made a rare appeal for international humanitarian aid and declared a state of emergency in six regions.
The United Nations has allocated $5 million in emergency funds for Myanmar, while China has sent 126 rescue personnel, along with search dogs and drones. India has also offered assistance, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing condolences for the victims. In Indonesia, President Prabowo Subianto extended his sympathies and readiness to support recovery efforts, though no reports have emerged of Indonesian nationals among the casualties.
Threat of Aftershocks and Myanmar’s Fragile State
Authorities in Mandalay have warned of potential aftershocks in the coming hours. Myanmar, located along the Sagaing fault line, is highly earthquake-prone. However, the impact of this disaster has been worsened by fragile infrastructure, weakened by four years of civil war. The National Unity Government of Myanmar has announced a two-week military operations pause in affected areas to focus on rescue efforts.
Current Situation
As of now, more than 3,400 people have been reported injured, with hundreds still missing. Damaged roads, collapsed bridges, and an already weak healthcare system are making evacuation efforts even more challenging. Amid the chaos, people in Myanmar and Thailand continue to struggle to recover from this catastrophe, while the world watches for further developments.