BANGKOK, March 28 – A catastrophic earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, leaving more than 140 people dead and causing widespread destruction. The 7.7 magnitude quake, which hit around midday, devastated buildings, roads, and infrastructure, with Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, suffering the most severe impact. The powerful tremor was followed by a series of aftershocks, further worsening the situation.
Massive Destruction in Mandalay
The city of Mandalay, home to approximately 1.5 million people, bore the brunt of the disaster. Multi-story buildings crumbled, roads were left fractured, and emergency services struggled to respond to the overwhelming number of distress calls. In Amarapura, a township within Mandalay, rescuers recovered at least 30 bodies from collapsed residential buildings.
One rescue worker described the situation as “unimaginable,” comparing the aftermath to a city reduced to ruins. “Our town looks like a collapsed city,” he said. “We can hear people calling for help from under the debris, but we don’t have enough manpower or equipment to get them out. We will keep working, but the situation is dire.”
Junta Seeks International Assistance
Myanmar’s military leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, acknowledged that the death toll would likely rise and extended an appeal for international assistance. He urged any country willing to help to send aid and resources to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts.
Meanwhile, in Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. government would be providing assistance to Myanmar. “We’re going to be helping,” he told reporters at the White House, though specific details on the type of support were not immediately available.
Impact on Neighboring Thailand
The earthquake’s force was felt beyond Myanmar, reaching neighboring Thailand, where at least nine people lost their lives. In Bangkok, a high-rise under construction collapsed, trapping workers inside. Rescue teams were dispatched to search for survivors, while frightened residents fled onto the streets as buildings swayed and tremors shook the city.
Monasteries and Religious Sites in Ruins
Myanmar, known for its deep Buddhist heritage, saw several monasteries severely damaged, with rescue teams working to free trapped monks. The Phaya Taung Monastery in Mandalay was among the worst hit, with reports of dozens of monks buried under debris. In Pyinmana, a town near the capital Naypyidaw, at least 60 bodies were recovered from damaged monasteries and residential buildings.
A tragic scene unfolded at a mosque in Taungoo, where worshippers were caught in the collapse during prayers. Three people reportedly died instantly, with others injured.
Severe Damage to Infrastructure
The destruction extended beyond residential buildings and religious sites. State media reported that bridges and roads were left in ruins, with large fissures cutting through major highways. The historic Ava Bridge, which spans the Irrawaddy River, was partially destroyed, with its metal framework tilting into the water.
A thousand-bed hospital in Naypyidaw was also damaged, further straining an already fragile healthcare system. Power outages and communication disruptions across affected areas hampered emergency response efforts, leaving thousands without access to essential services.
Difficulties in Rescue Efforts
Myanmar’s ongoing internal conflict between the military junta and resistance forces has made relief operations even more challenging. The country has been embroiled in turmoil since the military took control in 2021, with fighting displacing over three million people. The political instability, combined with the scale of the disaster, is expected to complicate the coordination of rescue missions.
Members of the opposition National Unity Government pledged to support humanitarian efforts, with some resistance groups offering to help affected communities. However, the fractured state of governance raises concerns about the effectiveness of relief distribution.
International Response and Challenges Ahead
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stated that the UN was mobilizing resources to assist Myanmar. Aid organizations have also expressed concern about the disaster occurring at a time when the country is already facing severe humanitarian challenges, including food shortages and displacement.
Myanmar’s location along active tectonic plates makes it highly vulnerable to earthquakes, and the country has faced devastating natural disasters in the past. However, the current crisis presents unique difficulties due to the political situation, weakened infrastructure, and a lack of adequate disaster response mechanisms.
Uncertain Future for Survivors
As night fell, survivors in Mandalay and other affected areas prepared for an uncertain future, with many too afraid to return to their damaged homes. Fires broke out in some neighborhoods, raising fears of further casualties. “People are sleeping outside, afraid of another quake,” a Mandalay resident said. “We are without electricity, without water, and uncertain about what lies ahead.”
Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage, and rescue teams are working tirelessly to recover those still trapped. With the death toll expected to rise, Myanmar faces an enormous humanitarian crisis that will require both national and international support to overcome.
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