Massive 7.7 Earthquake Rocks Thailand & Myanmar – Death Toll Rises
Deadly 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Myanmar and Thailand – Buildings Collapse, Death Toll Climbs, and Rescue Efforts Intensify
A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, sending tremors across the region and causing widespread destruction in both Myanmar and Thailand. The powerful quake has already resulted in over 144 confirmed deaths in Myanmar alone, with hundreds more injured and buildings reduced to rubble.
In Thailand, the impact was also severe, particularly in Bangkok, where an unfinished 30-story building collapsed, killing at least eight people and leaving dozens trapped under debris. The disaster has sent shockwaves through Southeast Asia, triggering an urgent search-and-rescue effort as authorities brace for aftershocks and assess the full scale of destruction.
The Devastating Impact in Myanmar
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake's epicenter was located in central Myanmar, near Mandalay, at a depth of 60 kilometres (37 miles). The tremors were so powerful that they were felt across Bangladesh, China, India, and Thailand.
Myanmar, still struggling with political instability and economic hardship, now faces one of its worst natural disasters in recent history. The military junta has declared a state of emergency in at least six regions, urging international aid to help deal with the unfolding humanitarian crisis.
Many of Myanmar’s old temples, bridges, and dams have been severely damaged. Videos and images from Mandalay, Naypyidaw, and other affected areas show collapsed buildings, roads with massive cracks, and entire neighbourhoods covered in dust and debris.
Chaos and Panic in Thailand
Although Thailand was not the epicentre, the earthquake’s strength led to significant damage, particularly in Bangkok, where people rushed into the streets in fear and confusion.
One of the biggest tragedies occurred when a 30-story unfinished building in the capital collapsed, leaving many construction workers and passers by trapped. Rescuers are working tirelessly to locate survivors. Authorities have declared Bangkok a disaster area, warning that aftershocks could cause more damage.
Eyewitnesses described terrifying moments when the earthquake hit. Leona Kelly, an Irish teacher in Bangkok, recalled how she was in a school gym with children when the shaking began:
"The floor started vibrating, and then it got worse. The walls made a horrible cracking sound. We ran out as fast as we could. The kids were screaming. It was terrifying."
Another resident, Travis Leon Price, shared his experience:
"I live on the 40th floor of my apartment building. When the shaking started, I knew I had to get out immediately. It took me over 10 minutes to reach the ground floor, and when I stepped outside, I saw people crying and screaming."
Authorities in Thailand have advised people to stay away from tall buildings and prepare for possible power outages and water shortages.
Rescue Operations and International Aid
As rescue teams race against time, international aid organizations and neighbouring countries are stepping in. The United Nations (UN), Red Cross, and other humanitarian organizations are mobilizing resources to provide medical assistance, food, and temporary shelters.
The United States, China, and the European Union have pledged support. Teams of rescue workers are being deployed to help with the search-and-rescue mission and assess the structural safety of damaged buildings.
In Thailand, the government has activated emergency response teams, and military helicopters are being used to evacuate trapped individuals from damaged high-rise buildings.
Tsunami Fears and Aftershock Warnings
Following the earthquake, there were initial concerns of a tsunami, prompting Thailand and Myanmar to issue warnings for coastal areas. However, scientists later confirmed that the quake’s depth made a large tsunami unlikely.
Despite this, experts warn that aftershocks; which could be as strong as 6.0 to 6.5 magnitude, are expected in the coming days, potentially causing further destruction and delays in rescue efforts.
Authorities are urging residents to remain cautious and stay informed through official updates. People in affected regions are advised to avoid damaged structures, keep emergency supplies ready, and be prepared for potential evacuations.
The Road Ahead
As the death toll continues to rise, Myanmar and Thailand are facing an immense recovery challenge. Thousands have been left homeless, businesses have been destroyed, and entire communities have been disrupted.
Rescue teams and medical workers are working around the clock to help the injured and search for survivors. However, with damaged infrastructure and ongoing instability, it could take weeks, if not months, to fully assess the destruction and begin rebuilding efforts.
For now, the focus remains on survival—pulling people from the wreckage, providing medical aid, and ensuring that those affected get the help they desperately need.
The world watches as Myanmar and Thailand battle one of the most devastating earthquakes in recent history.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation unfolds.
About the Creator
Keep reading
More stories from Bevy Osuos and writers in Earth and other communities.
Blood Moon Total Lunar Eclipse Tonight: Exact Time, Visibility, and How to Watch
Tonight, March 14, 2025, marks a stunning celestial event that will have sky watchers across the United States in awe: the blood moon total lunar eclipse. Known for its deep red hue, this total lunar eclipse is one of the most anticipated astronomical events of the year. Whether you're an amateur astronomer or just curious about the moon tonight, this guide will help you get the most out of the experience, including when the lunar eclipse tonight will occur, how to see it, and why the moon turns red.
By Bevy Osuos10 months ago in Earth
Greenland: New Shipping Routes, Hidden Minerals – and a Frontline Between the US and Russia?
Once seen as a remote and largely isolated Arctic territory, Greenland is rapidly emerging as a focal point of global geopolitics. Climate change, melting ice, and technological advances are transforming the island into a strategic hub defined by new shipping routes, vast mineral resources, and growing rivalry between major powers, particularly the United States and Russia. As the Arctic opens up, Greenland’s geographic position and untapped potential are pushing it to the center of international attention, raising questions about security, sovereignty, and sustainable development. Melting Ice and the Opening of New Shipping Routes One of the most visible impacts of climate change in the Arctic is the reduction of sea ice, which is making previously inaccessible waters navigable for longer periods each year. New Arctic shipping routes, including passages near Greenland, promise shorter travel times between Europe, Asia, and North America. Compared to traditional routes like the Suez Canal, Arctic pathways can reduce shipping distances by thousands of kilometers, cutting fuel costs and emissions. For global trade, this could be transformative. Greenland’s coastal waters are increasingly important as potential transit corridors and support hubs for these routes. However, the expansion of Arctic shipping also raises concerns about environmental risks, maritime safety, and the lack of robust emergency infrastructure in the region. Hidden Mineral Wealth Beneath the Ice Beyond shipping, Greenland holds significant reserves of critical minerals, many of which are essential for modern technologies and the global energy transition. These include rare earth elements, lithium, graphite, uranium, and other strategic resources used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, batteries, and defense systems. As demand for these materials grows, Greenland is being viewed as a potential alternative to existing supply chains dominated by a small number of countries. This has increased interest from Western governments seeking to diversify mineral sourcing and reduce strategic dependencies. However, mining in Greenland is controversial. Local communities and policymakers must balance economic opportunities with environmental protection and cultural preservation. Greenland’s harsh climate and fragile ecosystems make resource extraction both technically challenging and politically sensitive. The United States’ Strategic Interest in Greenland The United States has long considered Greenland strategically vital, largely due to its location between North America and Europe. The US already maintains a military presence at Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base), which plays a key role in missile warning systems and space surveillance. In recent years, Washington has renewed its focus on Greenland, emphasizing Arctic security, infrastructure investment, and cooperation with Denmark, which oversees Greenland’s foreign and defense policy. US interest is driven by several factors: protecting transatlantic security routes, countering rival powers in the Arctic, and ensuring access to critical minerals. Greenland is increasingly viewed as a frontline in maintaining Western influence in the High North. Russia’s Arctic Ambitions Russia, meanwhile, sees the Arctic as central to its economic and military strategy. It has invested heavily in Arctic military bases, icebreaker fleets, and energy projects, particularly along its northern coastline. Although Greenland is geographically distant from Russia’s main Arctic territories, Moscow closely monitors developments there. The island’s proximity to key Arctic sea lanes and North Atlantic routes makes it strategically relevant in any broader confrontation between Russia and NATO. As tensions between Russia and the West remain high, Greenland’s location places it near the intersection of competing security interests, increasing its geopolitical significance. Greenland Between Global Powers The growing attention from major powers puts Greenland in a delicate position. While the island seeks greater economic independence and development, it must navigate complex relationships with Denmark, the United States, and other international actors. Greenland’s government has emphasized the importance of maintaining control over its resources and ensuring that development benefits local populations. At the same time, geopolitical competition risks turning Greenland into a strategic chessboard rather than a partner in decision-making. This balancing act is becoming more difficult as Arctic competition intensifies. Environmental and Social Challenges Greenland is on the front lines of climate change. Melting ice sheets contribute to global sea-level rise, while local communities face changes to traditional livelihoods such as fishing and hunting. The expansion of shipping and mining could bring jobs and infrastructure, but it also threatens fragile ecosystems and raises concerns about pollution, habitat disruption, and long-term sustainability. Any future development in Greenland will require careful regulation, international cooperation, and meaningful engagement
By Aarif Lashari4 days ago in Earth
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.