On March 28, 2025, a significant 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, with its epicenter located near Mandalay, the nation’s second-largest city, at 12:50 PM local time. The earthquake resulted in extensive destruction, leading to over 2,000 fatalities and approximately 4,000 injuries. Tremors from the quake were felt across several Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, India, and China.
In Mandalay, one of the most notable incidents involved the collapse of the Great Wall Hotel, which became a central focus for rescue operations. Remarkably, after being trapped for 60 hours, a woman was rescued alive from the debris. Efforts to locate additional survivors continue amid the ruins.
“I was trapped in the rubble of an eight-story hotel with just my phone for light and comfort,” Mut Naung, a resident of Mandalay, said.
The Bright Kids Private Preschool in Kyaukse, located south of Mandalay, also experienced devastating damage when the building collapsed while 50 children were inside. This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of 15 students and their teacher, Hlu Hsan, who tragically lost her life while bravely shielding three students from harm.
The earthquake’s effects were felt beyond Myanmar’s borders, particularly in Bangkok, Thailand, where a skyscraper under construction collapsed, causing at least 17 deaths and leaving 80 individuals unaccounted for. Residents in Bangkok experienced strong tremors, leading to evacuations and heightened concern throughout the city.
In response to the disaster, the international community has mobilized aid and support. The World Health Organization has dispatched nearly three tons of medical supplies to assist the injured, with countries such as China, India, and the United States pledging assistance and sending rescue teams to the affected regions.
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“This event underscores the critical need for earthquake-resistant building designs in seismic zones,” Dr. Christian Málaga-Chuquitaype, Senior Lecturer at Imperial College London, said emphasizing the importance of resilient infrastructure.
Aid delivery has faced challenges due to ongoing internal conflicts within Myanmar and damage to infrastructure. Opponents of the military government in Myanmar have called for international agencies to provide aid directly to regions under rebel control, raising concerns that the junta might restrict assistance to select areas.
The disaster has worsened the existing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, with human rights organizations warning against channeling aid through the military junta, which has been accused of weaponizing such assistance. As rescue efforts persist and the full extent of the damage becomes clearer, the situation remains critical.
