A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, at a shallow depth of about 10 km, with the epicenter located around 16 km northwest of Sagaing in the Sagaing Region. The tremor was so intense that it was felt far beyond Myanmar, including in neighbouring Thailand and China’s Yunnan province.  Immediately following the main shock, a major aftershock of magnitude 6.7 struck minutes later, highlighting the region’s continued seismic volatility.

The human toll and infrastructure damage were immense. Initial death tolls ranged from hundreds to thousands; one early figure cited over 1,000 fatalities and several thousand injuries. Equally concerning, homes, highways, bridges, and high-rise structures collapsed across Myanmar, and in Thailand a building under construction in Bangkok reportedly collapsed as a result of the quake’s reach. The humanitarian situation worsened due to widespread power outages, blocked roads and disrupted communications, which hampered rescue and relief efforts.

Rescue teams from Myanmar and nearby countries mobilised rapidly, and major international contributions began arriving—China pledged significant humanitarian aid, including medical supplies and housing, to support recovery.  Emergency shelters were set up for those displaced, and regional governments worked to coordinate relief across borders. The disaster especially impacted vulnerable areas already facing other crises, adding layers of complexity to the response.

Seismologists emphasise that the quake’s shallow depth and location along the strike-slip Sagaing Fault contributed to its destructive power and cross-border reach. The event serves as a stark reminder of how quickly natural forces can overpower infrastructure and communities—and underscores the urgent need for resilient systems, cross-border cooperation, and long-term recovery strategy.