On March 28, 2025, Myanmar was struck by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake with a depth of 10 km.
According to The New York Times, the earthquake not only shook Myanmar but was also felt in neighboring countries such as Thailand, India, and Bangladesh.
As a result of the disaster, more than 1,600 people were reported dead, and over 3,400 others sustained injuries. Infrastructure in the affected areas suffered severe damage, including buildings, highways, and public facilities.
Regional Impact: Tremors Felt in Thailand and India
Citing a report from Channel News Asia (CNA), strong tremors from the earthquake were felt in Bangkok, Thailand, causing minor to moderate damage to several high-rise buildings.
Meanwhile, in India and Bangladesh, residents in major cities like Kolkata and Dhaka rushed out of their homes to seek safety. Several flights were also delayed due to security inspections at airports in the affected regions.
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International Response and Aid
The Myanmar government promptly declared a state of emergency and deployed rescue teams to search for victims trapped under rubble. However, the lack of heavy equipment and access to affected areas hindered rescue efforts.
Several countries, including China and Thailand, have offered assistance in the form of medical personnel, logistics, and humanitarian funds. International organizations such as the Red Cross and the United Nations have also swiftly mobilized to provide emergency relief to victims.
ASEAN countries have expressed condolences and extended aid to Myanmar.
According to CNA, Thailand, which also experienced the tremors, sent rescue teams and medical assistance to the affected areas. Malaysia, through its humanitarian agencies, committed to providing logistical support and medical services.
Meanwhile, Singapore and Indonesia also dispatched disaster response teams to assist with evacuation and post-earthquake recovery efforts. ASEAN itself is coordinating regional relief efforts to accelerate Myanmar's recovery process.
Also read: 4 Countries at High Risk of Megathrust Earthquakes
Seismological Analysis: Why Is Myanmar Prone to Earthquakes?
According to CNBC Indonesia, Myanmar is located at the intersection of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it highly susceptible to seismic activity.
Experts state that this earthquake was triggered by the movement of an active fault line that has previously caused significant earthquakes in the region.
Historical records show that Myanmar has experienced several major earthquakes, including a 6.9 magnitude quake in 2016 that also caused considerable damage.
Also read: Breathtaking Bamboo Building Withstands Earthquakes
Humanitarian Crisis: Challenges in Assisting Victims
This disaster has worsened Myanmar’s humanitarian situation, which was already strained due to ongoing political and economic conflicts.
Thousands of residents have lost their homes and urgently need food, clean water, and medical services. A lack of coordination in aid distribution poses a significant challenge to post-earthquake recovery efforts.
Also read: Survivors of Lombok Earthquake Wait for Aid
Impact and Future Outlook
This devastating earthquake highlights Myanmar's vulnerability to natural disasters and the importance of a swift response from both the government and the international community.
With increasing global assistance, it is hoped that the recovery process can proceed more quickly and that affected victims will receive the help they need as soon as possible.
