Image Source: NPR

Rescue efforts are ongoing in Myanmar and Thailand following a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck on March 28, 2025, killing at least 1,700 people and injuring thousands more. The quake, which also affected parts of China, caused widespread destruction, particularly in Myanmar’s central regions, as well as in the Thai capital, Bangkok. Search-and-rescue teams are still working in difficult conditions, and authorities fear that the death toll could rise significantly in the coming weeks.

Massive Human Toll in Myanmar and Thailand

The earthquake has claimed at least 1,700 lives in Myanmar, with the death toll expected to increase as rescue teams continue to sift through the rubble. More than 3,400 people have been injured, and nearly 300 others remain missing. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has indicated that the final toll could surpass 10,000, based on early estimates.

In Thailand, at least 17 fatalities have been confirmed, with 10 of these victims dying when an under-construction building collapsed in Bangkok. Rescue operations in the capital are focused on recovering the bodies of those still trapped under debris, with more than 80 people believed to be missing.

Extensive Damage and Rescue Challenges

The earthquake’s epicenter was located in Myanmar’s Sagaing region, near Mandalay, which is home to over 1.5 million people. Many areas, including historic temples, schools, and hospitals, have been severely damaged. Satellite images and testimonies from survivors reveal widespread destruction, with nearly 1,700 homes, 670 monasteries, and 60 schools affected.

The Sagaing Bridge, a key transport link between Mandalay and other parts of Myanmar, was destroyed, further complicating the delivery of aid to the affected areas. Rescue teams from Myanmar and international agencies have been deployed to assist, with some teams already reporting success in rescuing survivors from collapsed buildings.

International Aid and Support

In response to the devastation, foreign governments and organizations have pledged humanitarian and financial assistance. Several Nations are working to mobilize additional support for affected communities.

Despite the aid, ongoing challenges, such as damaged infrastructure and communication breakdowns, have hampered rescue and relief operations. In addition to medical assistance, there are critical shortages of food, water, and shelter materials. Many people are sleeping outdoors due to the risk of aftershocks, and healthcare facilities are overwhelmed with the number of injured.

Image Source: Reuters

Why the Earthquake Was So Devastating

Myanmar is located on a tectonic fault line, but the shallow depth of this earthquake—just 10 kilometers (6.2 miles)—made it particularly destructive. Shallow earthquakes tend to cause more damage due to the proximity of the epicenter to populated areas. The earthquake occurred along the Sagaing fault, a strike-slip fault where tectonic plates move horizontally, causing significant ground displacement. Scientists have noted that aftershocks, including a 6.7-magnitude tremor on March 28, could continue for weeks, prolonging the threat of further damage.

Experts highlight the vulnerability of buildings in the affected regions, many of which are made of unreinforced brick or timber, making them highly susceptible to collapse during seismic activity.

Image Source: United Nations

The aftermath of the March 28 earthquake in Myanmar, Thailand, and parts of China is catastrophic. Ongoing search-and-rescue operations, combined with international aid efforts, aim to provide relief to those affected by the disaster. However, the combined challenges of damaged infrastructure, a weakened healthcare system, and ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar complicate the overall response.

As recovery and relief efforts continue, the international community remains focused on providing urgent humanitarian assistance to those in need, with hopes that access to the hardest-hit areas will improve in the coming days.