A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar (Burma), near Sagaing, on March 28, 2025 (12:50 local time). Several strong earthquakes – as high as 6.4 magnitude – followed. This is the strongest earthquake in Myanmar since the Maymyo earthquake of 1912.
Much of the damage from the earthquake is in the country’s second most-populous city – Mandalay – home to 1.2 million people; however, many rural villages were also affected, as were roads and bridges to help rescuers reach them. Airports are closed, and power is out as well.
The United States Geological Society (USGS) issued a “red alert” for the earthquake, indicating they believed there would be a high number of fatalities and a significant economic impact. USGS estimates potential loss of life in the thousands and an economic impact that would exceed Myanmar’s GDP.
(Photo: The Royal Thai Army provide assistance and evacuate people trapped inside a building that collapsed in Bangkok due to the earthquake on March 28, 2025. Credit: Royal Thai Army via X)
