| By Eliana Pisons |
A catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar on March 28th, 2025, causing widespread destruction across multiple regions. Centered near Mandalay, the quake impacted the capital, Naypyidaw, inflicting damage as far away as Bangkok, Thailand. The disaster resulted in significant loss of life, injuries, and extensive damage to infrastructure.
Severe Casualties and Damage Across the Region
As of April 7, the death toll in Myanmar has risen to over 3,500, with more than 5,000 injured. The earthquake led to the collapse of over 5,000 buildings, 1,824 schools, nearly 5,000 religious structures, and numerous bridges, roads, and dams. Communication blackouts and damaged transport routes have further complicated rescue and relief efforts. In Thailand, the quake’s tremors caused the collapse of a 30-story office tower in Bangkok, resulting in at least 11 deaths and leaving 78 people missing.
International Rescue and Relief Efforts Lend Support
Rescue operations have been severely hampered by ongoing heavy rains and strong winds, which have disrupted search efforts and temporarily halted the use of electronic rescue equipment. International aid has begun to arrive, with countries such as China, Russia, and Vietnam deploying rescue workers, sniffer dogs, and paramedics, along with pledging substantial financial assistance. However, the United States’ contribution has been notably limited, due to recent cuts and restructuring within the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
What Caused the Earthquake
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck along Myanmar’s Sagaing Fault, a major tectonic boundary known for seismic activity. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of around 10 kilometers which intensified the damage. While earthquakes aren’t caused by climate change, their impacts are worsened by it. Heavy rains from the early monsoon season increased landslide risks and hindered rescue efforts. Experts warn that as climate and tectonic risks converge, stronger infrastructure and regional cooperation are urgently needed.
Disaster Response Challenges Hinder Recovery Efforts
The situation in Myanmar is further complicated by the country’s ongoing civil conflict, which has hindered disaster response efforts and restricted information flow. The international community continues to address the urgent need for aid access and emergency response in the affected regions. The full extent of the earthquake’s impact is still being assessed but the affected communities will face a challenging road to recovery, with immediate needs for shelter, medical care, and infrastructure rebuilding.
Image Credits: USGS
