YANGON, March 29: A total of 1,644 people have died, 3,408 have been injured, and 139 remain missing following a powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar, the Information Team of the State Administration Council confirmed on Saturday.
The devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake, followed minutes later by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock, hit Myanmar’s Mandalay region on Friday, causing extensive damage and casualties across multiple countries.
The epicenter was located just 20 km from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city with a population of 1.5 million. In response to the disaster, the National Disaster Management Committee declared a state of emergency across the Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, the northeastern part of Shan State, the capital Nay Pyi Taw, and the Bago Region.
Rescue efforts are in full swing, with international relief organizations swiftly mobilizing aid to address the urgent needs of the affected population. Public hospitals in Sagaing, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw have issued urgent appeals for blood donations as they struggle to treat the influx of injured patients. Meanwhile, search and rescue teams continue to operate amid reports of more people trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.
The earthquake triggered widespread power failures, disrupting mobile networks and leaving parts of Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, without signal. Several major roads linking Mandalay to Yangon in the south sustained damage or were blocked by debris, further complicating relief efforts. Airports in Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw were temporarily shut down, with all flights canceled until further notice.
Photos and videos shared on social media reveal extensive structural damage to buildings, temples, and historical landmarks, including Mandalay Palace and the Mahamuni Pagoda.
The United States Geological Survey confirmed that this is the strongest earthquake recorded worldwide so far in 2025. Tremors were felt in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and southwestern China, with significant impact reported in Thailand.
In Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, authorities confirmed 10 fatalities, 42 injuries, and 78 people missing. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared a state of emergency in Bangkok as northern provinces, including Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, also reported severe damage. Several tourist attractions in the Pai District of Mae Hong Son collapsed due to the quake.
India was among the first countries to respond to Myanmar’s crisis, swiftly dispatching rescue teams and humanitarian aid. Indian relief efforts include evacuation assistance and essential supplies to support displaced residents, reinforcing regional solidarity in the face of disaster.
