Naypyidaw, Myanmar | March 29, 2025
A powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck central Myanmar on Friday at 11:50 AM local time, causing widespread devastation and sending tremors across five countries, including India, Thailand, Bangladesh, and China. The death toll has climbed to 23, with over 300 injured and dozens still missing in the aftermath.
Myanmar Faces Severe Destruction; 20 Confirmed Dead
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), the earthquake’s epicenter was 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. The worst-hit areas include Naypyidaw, Mandalay, and Sagaing, where temples, homes, and even a 51-year-old bridge over the Irrawaddy River were destroyed. The historic Mandalay Palace also sustained serious structural damage.
Emergency teams continue to search for survivors amid collapsed buildings and debris, with hundreds of civilians left homeless. A strong aftershock of 6.4 magnitude was recorded just 12 minutes after the main quake, adding to the chaos.
Bangkok Construction Site Collapses: 3 Dead, 80 Missing
In Thailand’s capital Bangkok, the tremors caused a 30-storey under-construction building to collapse. Over 400 workers were on-site at the time. As per initial reports, 3 people have died, and 80 remain unaccounted for. Disturbing footage and images from the scene show people fleeing, falling debris, and dust clouds engulfing the streets.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has declared a state of emergency, mobilizing rescue and medical teams to the affected zones.
Tremors Felt in India, Bangladesh, China
The earthquake’s impact reached several parts of eastern India, with tremors felt in Kolkata, Imphal, Meghalaya, and East Karbi Anglong Hills. In Bangladesh, significant shaking was recorded in Dhaka and Chattogram, while Southwest China also reported seismic activity.
People across these regions rushed out of buildings, triggering panic but no immediate damage or casualties have been reported from India or China.
Relief Efforts Underway
Relief agencies, including Myanmar Red Cross, and international emergency teams, have been deployed to the worst-hit areas. Myanmar authorities have urged for international support, and countries including India and China are assessing assistance possibilities.
Seismologists warn that aftershocks may continue for the next 48 hours, and urge caution, particularly in fragile structures.
Summary
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Magnitude: 7.7
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Epicenter: Near Sagaing, Myanmar
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Casualties: 23 dead (20 in Myanmar, 3 in Thailand), 300+ injured, 80+ missing
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Countries Affected: Myanmar, Thailand, Bangladesh, India, China
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Key Cities Impacted: Naypyidaw, Mandalay, Sagaing, Bangkok, Dhaka, Kolkata
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.