Myanmar earthquake shakes Bangkok

A devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, March 28, 2025, causing severe damage in the region and affecting several neighboring countries. In Bangkok, Thailand, the impact of the quake caused the collapse of a skyscraper under construction, leaving at least 43 workers trapped under the rubble.

The 30-story building, located in the north of the Thai capital, collapsed in a matter of seconds after the strong tremor. Public broadcaster Thai PBS reported that there were around 50 people on the construction site at the time of the collapse, of whom only seven managed to escape. Rescue teams have been deployed in the area to try to locate and rescue the trapped workers.

Earthquake Impact on the Region

The epicenter of the earthquake was located 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar, with a depth of 10 kilometers. In Naypyidaw, the country’s capital, the earthquake caused road collapses and severe damage to infrastructure. In Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, parts of the historic Palace were severely damaged, while the Ava Bridge, a key link between the towns of Ava and Sagaing, was completely destroyed.

In China, the quake was felt in Yunnan province, where authorities reported a magnitude of 7.9. In Thailand, in addition to the collapse of the skyscraper in Bangkok, mass evacuations were carried out in residential and office buildings for fear of further aftershocks.

Emergency Response and Measures

Thai authorities have mobilized emergency teams and heavy machinery for rescue efforts at the collapsed building. The Thai Meteorological Department has warned of possible aftershocks and recommended that the public take precautions and stay in open spaces whenever possible.

This earthquake is one of the strongest recorded in Southeast Asia in recent years, highlighting the region’s seismic vulnerability due to its location in a zone of high tectonic activity. Rescue and damage assessment efforts continue in all affected countries.