On March 28, 2025, Myanmar was struck by a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that shook not only the country but also affected neighboring regions. With a death toll already reaching 23 and dozens more injured, the tremors of the earthquake have left communities in shock and devastation.

The earthquake’s epicenter was located near the central Myanmar region, approximately 40 miles southeast of Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. It hit at 10:42 AM local time and lasted for several long seconds, causing buildings to collapse and streets to crack open. The tremors reached neighboring countries, including Thailand, Laos, and even as far as Bangladesh, where people reported feeling the earth move beneath their feet.

Myanmar’s disaster response teams were quickly mobilized, with search-and-rescue operations underway in the hardest-hit areas. However, the difficult terrain and ongoing aftershocks have made the efforts more challenging. Hospitals in Mandalay and the surrounding region are overwhelmed with casualties, and officials fear the toll may rise as more people are discovered trapped under rubble.

Witnesses in Mandalay reported seeing large buildings swaying, and the sound of buildings crumbling echoed through the streets. In some regions, power outages and communication breakdowns added to the chaos, making it harder for rescue teams to coordinate their efforts. Emergency responders have prioritized reaching the most heavily affected areas to save lives and provide medical care.

International assistance is already being offered, with neighboring countries, including Thailand and China, extending support in the form of aid and personnel. The earthquake has highlighted the need for greater preparedness and resilience in Myanmar, a country that has faced political instability in recent years, complicating its disaster response efforts.