Military junta in Myanmar seeks international aid after 7.7-magnitude earthquake hits the war-torn nation, causing widespread devastation. The earthquake struck a diverse region of Southeast Asia, impacting rural villages embroiled in Myanmar’s civil conflict to the bustling urban landscape of Bangkok, Thailand. The tremors even reached into China’s remote Yunnan province. Myanmar’s military government reported at least 144 fatalities and over 730 injuries, with the United States Geological Survey projecting the death toll could exceed 10,000. The junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, declared a state of emergency and issued an appeal for assistance from organizations and nations to aid those affected by the disaster. The plea reveals the extent of the quake’s impact on a country isolated from global aid during its civil unrest.
Rescue efforts are expected to differ significantly between Myanmar and Thailand, where the quake was also felt. Myanmar faces challenges in responding to natural disasters due to limited resources and past reluctance to accept foreign aid. In contrast, Thailand, a more prosperous nation, has well-equipped rescue teams and infrastructure. Videos captured the chaos as residents fled swaying buildings and construction sites collapsed. In Bangkok, a high-rise tower crumbled, trapping over 100 workers underneath. Survivors described the moment the building began shaking and the frantic escape as the structure gave way.
The aftermath of the earthquake highlights the urgent need for international support in Myanmar and Thailand as they grapple with the devastating impact of the natural disaster.
Due to the earthquake, Deputy Bangkok Governor Tavida Kamolvej reported that the Thai capital, not accustomed to seismic activity, experienced damage to buildings. City authorities instructed residents of two buildings in Chatuchak and Phra Khanong districts to evacuate for safety. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration received nearly 1,000 reports of structural concerns citywide and will assess cases based on severity, with three high-risk instances identified so far. Structural evaluations will increase on Saturday morning. To assist residents, five public parks and six temporary shelters have been opened, with police and officials ensuring safety measures are in place.
The earthquake, originating in neighboring Myanmar on March 28, 2025, exacerbated an already fragile situation in Myanmar, which has been enduring civil unrest for four years following a military coup. The ongoing conflict has crippled the country’s health infrastructure, hindering its ability to manage natural disasters effectively. With a significant portion of the country outside military control and under the administration of various ethnic groups, obtaining accurate information remains challenging.
The extent of the damage is still unfolding, and it may take weeks to fully comprehend the severity. Reports suggest the impact will be substantial, according to the International Rescue Committee’s Myanmar director. Communication breakdowns and transportation disruptions have hampered the flow of information, complicating rescue and relief efforts. Amnesty International has urged the ruling junta in Myanmar to allow unrestricted access for aid organizations, emphasizing the critical need for assistance in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Tom Andrew, the UN special rapporteur for Myanmar, described the earthquake as compounding an already dire situation, with millions in need of humanitarian aid and millions internally displaced. The uncertainty and fear among residents are palpable, with some unsure if they will survive such catastrophic events. The earthquake struck close to Mandalay around midday, further challenging the region’s resilience in the face of adversity.
Formerly the royal capital Andalay is now home to approximately 1.5 million residents and features a number of historic temple complexes and palaces. Following a 6.4-magnitude earthquake, several aftershocks have been reported in the vicinity, as per the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter was recorded in Myanmar’s central Sagaing region, which has been embroiled in civil war with conflicting factions vying for control, leading to travel difficulties due to numerous checkpoints across the area. Sagaing is predominantly rural, with dwellings mostly constructed from wood and thatch, while communication remains sporadic due to ongoing clashes between the junta and rebel groups.
In Naypyidaw, Myanmar, medical workers are attending to survivors of the earthquake. In Taungoo, located 70 miles south of Naypyidaw, three individuals lost their lives when a mosque partially collapsed, according to Reuters. A resident in Yangon, Myanmar’s commercial hub situated around 380 miles from the earthquake’s epicenter, described feeling the quake for about a minute before evacuating buildings. Despite temporary disruptions in phone networks post-quake, services have been restored. An eyewitness in Yangon recounted the fear and intensity of the earthquake, with buildings shaking for an extended period, causing widespread panic.
Video footage from Myanmar revealed a road bridge over the Irrawaddy River, collapsing into the water amidst a cloud of dust and debris.
