On March 28, 2025, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar, with an epicenter near the Sagaing region and a depth of about 10 km.The shaking was felt across much of Myanmar and in neighboring countries including Thailand, China, and Vietnam, with residents reporting tremors in Bangkok and Yunnan province.

The quake brought widespread destruction. In Myanmar, many buildings collapsed, roads and bridges were damaged, and infrastructure across multiple regions lay in ruins. As of a few days later, at least 1,644 deaths were confirmed, with thousands more injured and many still missing. In Thailand, the disaster also claimed lives and left others unaccounted for. Critical infrastructure—such as Mandalay University, the historic Ava bridge, and key highways—was severely damaged, complicating relief efforts.

Rescue operations were immediately launched, but challenges mounted quickly. Blocked roads, landslides, and communications failures hindered access to many rural areas. Many survivors were displaced, seeking shelter in open fields and camps as aftershocks continued. Humanitarian agencies called for international assistance, warning of a full-fledged crisis layered on Myanmar’s existing vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, seismologists noted the quake occurred along the Sagaing Fault, a major strike‑slip fault line, and warned of further seismic activity in the region.