Myanmar Earthquake: 144 people killed, over 700 injured, toll expected to rise
Tremors Felt Across Thailand, India, China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh; Myanmar Declares Emergency
Babushahi Bureau
Myanmar, March 28, 2025: At least 144 people have been killed and 732 injured after a series of six powerful earthquakes—one reaching 7.7 magnitude—struck central Myanmar on Friday at 12:50 PM local time, state-run broadcaster MRTV reported.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the epicenters were northwest of Sagaing city at depths ranging from 10 to 30 km. Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has declared an emergency and appealed for international aid.
Casualties are rising, with 20 confirmed dead at a hospital in Naypyidaw, which officials fear could become a mass casualty site.A mosque in Mandalay collapsed while people were praying, resulting in multiple deaths, while a fire broke out at a city university, adding to the devastation.
Widespread Impact Across Asia
Tremors and aftershocks rattled parts of Thailand, China, India, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.
In Thailand, strong tremors led to metro and rail service suspensions in Bangkok, where three deaths were reported due to a collapsed building.Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared an emergency and cut short an official visit to Phuket for an emergency response meeting.
China's Yunnan province also experienced strong shocks, with the China Earthquake Networks Center measuring a 7.9 magnitude quake. In India, tremors were felt in Kolkata and Manipur, where a 4.4-magnitude quake was recorded. Bangladesh also reported shaking in Dhaka and Chattogram.
Global Response
No casualties have been reported in China or other affected countries so far. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed solidarity, stating India is ready to offer assistance and has placed emergency teams on standby.
European leaders have also extended support.
With rescue operations underway and aftershocks continuing, officials fear the death toll could rise further.