Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand: On Friday, March 28, 2025
Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand
On Friday, March 28, 2025, a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Myanmar, and its impact was significantly felt in neighboring Thailand. Here is a summary of the situation:
Table of Contents
Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. 1
News about the "earthquake" in Thailand. 3
Important news and implications in Thailand: 3
What to Do in Case of an Earthquake. 4
Before the Earthquake (Preparation): 4
Educate Yourself and Your Family: 4
If you are in a crowded public place: 5
Inspect your home/workplace for damage: 6
Considerations specific to Thailand: 6
Key earthquake details:
- Date and time: Friday, March 28, 2025, at approximately 12:50 p.m. local time (MMT).
- Magnitude: 7.7 (according to the USGS; other sources have reported slightly different magnitudes).
- Center: Near Mandalay in the Sagaing region of Myanmar.
- Depth: Relatively shallow, about 10 kilometers (6 miles), which played a significant role in the severe shaking.
- Fault line: The earthquake was caused by strike-slip faulting along the Sagaing Fault, where the Indian and Eurasian plates intersect.
Impacts in Myanmar:
- Casualties: Tragically, the death toll in Myanmar is rising. As of Saturday, April 5, 2025, reports indicate more than 4,430 dead, more than 6,200 injured, and more than 820 missing. This figure is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue and reach more remote areas.
- Widespread Damage: The earthquake caused widespread destruction across a wide area, including:
- Collapsed buildings, including homes, schools, hospitals, mosques, and monasteries.
- Damage to infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and airports (including the control tower at Naypyitaw International Airport).
- Disruption of essential services such as electricity, water, and communications.
- Fires in some areas, such as Mandalay.
- Humanitarian Crisis: The earthquake exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation in Myanmar, where millions of people were in need of assistance due to ongoing conflict and instability. Shelter, food, clean water, medicine, and psychological support are critical needs.
- State of Emergency: A state of emergency has been declared in the six worst-affected areas: Sagging, Mandalay, Magway, Bago, Shan State, and Naypyidaw.
- Rescue Efforts: Local volunteers and emergency services are working to rescue people trapped under the rubble. International aid and relief teams have also been dispatched from countries such as Russia, China, and Hong Kong to provide assistance.
- Aftershocks: Numerous aftershocks, some of them as high as magnitude 6.7, have continued to shake the region, posing new threats and hampering rescue efforts.
Effects in Thailand:
- Casualties: Although the impact was less severe than in Myanmar, there were also fatalities in Thailand. Reports indicate at least 36 dead and numerous injured.
- Building collapse in Bangkok: The most significant impact in Thailand was the collapse of a 30-story building under construction in Bangkok. The incident resulted in many deaths and missing construction workers, prompting an investigation into the cause of the collapse.
- Widespread tremors: Strong tremors were felt in 63 provinces across Thailand, including the Bangkok metropolitan area, causing buildings to shake and prompting evacuations.
- Damage: In addition to the collapsed building in Bangkok, some damage is reported in other areas of northern Thailand near the border with Myanmar.
- Humanitarian aid: Thailand has also been involved in providing assistance, particularly to those affected within its borders, and is potentially offering assistance to Myanmar.
Regional impact:
- Tremors triggered by the earthquake were felt in neighboring countries, including India, Laos, China, and Bangladesh.
Current situation:
- Rescue and recovery operations are ongoing in both Myanmar and Thailand.
- Authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage and provide assistance to those affected.
- The death toll is expected to continue to rise as access to remote areas improves.
- Investigations are ongoing, particularly regarding the collapsed building in Thailand.
The international community is mobilizing to provide humanitarian assistance to Myanmar.
It was the most powerful earthquake to hit Myanmar since 1912, highlighting the region's seismic vulnerability due to its location at the intersection of major tectonic plates.
News about the "earthquake" in Thailand
Thailand news about the Myanmar earthquake of March 28, 2025, and its significant resulting effects on the country, especially Bangkok, focuses on:
Important news and implications in Thailand:
- Building collapse in Bangkok: The most important news coming out of Thailand is the collapse of a 30-story building under construction in Bangkok following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar. The incident resulted in a large number of deaths and missing construction workers.
- As of Saturday, April 5, 2025, reports indicate at least 36 deaths in Thailand, a large number of which occurred at a construction site in Bangkok. Many more are missing under the rubble.
- Rescue operations are underway at the site of the building collapse in Bangkok, with international assistance.
- Major seismic tremors: Strong tremors were felt in 63 provinces across Thailand, including Bangkok, prompting building evacuations and widespread concern.
- Investigation begins: Thai authorities have launched an investigation into the skyscraper collapse, focusing on the building's design, construction standards, and the quality of the materials used, including steel bars.
- Safety inspections: Following the earthquake, Bangkok authorities ordered inspections of all tall buildings in the capital to assess their structural integrity.
- Deaths and injuries: In addition to the deaths in the collapsed building, there are reports of other injuries in Bangkok and possibly in northern provinces near the Myanmar border.
- Public response and concerns: Public concerns and questions have been raised about safety regulations and their enforcement in Bangkok, especially since a single large building was reported to have collapsed despite the strong earthquake.
- Aftershocks: Aftershocks from the Myanmar earthquake have been felt in Thailand, causing panic in Bangkok for some time.
- Humanitarian Aid: While Thailand was severely affected, it is likely to also be involved in assessing humanitarian needs within its borders and possibly consider providing aid to Myanmar.
In summary, the Myanmar earthquake had a significant impact on Thailand, especially the tragic collapse of a large building in Bangkok, which is the focus of current rescue efforts and investigations.
The strong tremors triggered by the earthquake were felt across the country, raising concerns about the building's safety.
What to Do in Case of an Earthquake
Given the recent significant earthquake in Myanmar on March 28, 2025, which had significant repercussions in Thailand, including the tragic collapse of a building in Bangkok, it is important to know what to do during an earthquake in Thailand. Here is a complete guide:
Before the Earthquake (Preparation):
Educate Yourself and Your Family:
- Understand the earthquake risks in your area of Thailand. The epicenter of the recent major earthquake was in Myanmar, but severe aftershocks can still cause considerable damage.
- Talk to your family about earthquake safety procedures and make a plan.
Secure Your Home/Workplace:
- Anchor Heavy Furniture: Secure tall bookshelves, cabinets, and other heavy items to the walls.
- Keep Heavy Items Low: Place heavy items on the bottom shelf.
- Secure Hanging Items: Make sure light fixtures and hanging plants are securely attached.
- Know where the main gas and water lines are and how to turn them off. Keep the necessary tools on hand.
- Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations.
Prepare an emergency kit:
- Water: At least one gallon per person per day for several days.
- Food: A supply of perishable food for several days.
- First Aid Kit: Include essential medications and an instruction manual.
- Flashlight: With extra batteries.
- Whistle: To signal for help.
- Dust Mask: To help filter contaminated air.
- Plastic Tarps and Duct Tape: For sheltering in place.
- Wet wipes, trash bags, and zip ties: For personal hygiene.
- Wrench or pliers: To turn off utility service.
- Manual Can Opener: For food.
- Local Maps: In case GPS is unavailable.
- Cell phones with chargers and backup batteries.
- Copies of important documents: insurance policies, ID, etc. in a waterproof bag.
- Cash: ATMs are not working.
Identify safe places:
In each room of your home and workplace, identify safe spaces, such as under sturdy tables or desks or against interior walls, away from windows and heavy furniture.
During an earthquake:
Stay calm: Panic can lead to poor decisions.
If indoors:
Drop, cover, and hold on:
- Get on your knees to avoid falling.
- Cover your head and neck with your arms and get under a sturdy table or desk. If there is no table or desk nearby, protect your head and neck by moving away from an interior wall.
- Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops. If you are under a table, hold on to its legs.
- Stay away from windows, glass, mirrors, and hanging objects.
- Do not run outside or to other rooms during the shaking. Most injuries occur when people try to move inside a building or try to get out.
- If you are in bed, stay there and protect your head and neck with pillows.
If you are outside:
- Move to a clear area, away from buildings, power lines, trees, and anything else that could fall.
- Drop to the ground and stay there until the shaking stops.
If you are in a car:
- Pull over to a clear place as soon as it is safe to do so. Avoid stopping under bridges, overpasses, power lines, or tunnels.
- Stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops.
If you are in a crowded public place:
- Do not rush to get out. This can lead to trampling.
- Drop, cover, and hold on if possible. Otherwise, try to move against an interior wall and protect your head and neck.
After the earthquake:
- Prepare for aftershocks: they could be strong enough to cause further damage. Drop, cover, and hold on during aftershocks.
- Check for injuries: Be present for yourself and others. Provide first aid if necessary.
Check the utility:
- If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and get everyone outside quickly. If possible, turn off the gas supply with an outside valve. Report the leak to authorities from a safe location. Do not use electrical switches or anything that could create a spark.
- Check for power loss. If you see sparks or burning wires, turn off the power at the main breaker if it is safe to do so.
- Check for water and sewer damage. If you suspect damage, avoid using the toilet and faucet until the system has been checked.
Inspect your home/workplace for damage:
- Do not enter damaged buildings until they have been inspected by a qualified professional.
- Be careful of loose bricks, plaster, and other debris.
- Wear sturdy shoes.
- Protect your feet from broken glass and debris.
Use communication wisely:
- Use your phone only for emergencies. Keep phone lines open for emergency personnel.
- Listen to a battery-powered radio or consult reliable news sources (such as official government channels or reputable news websites) for updates and safety information.
- Do not spread rumors or unverified information.
- Be aware of the possibility of landslides: If you are in a mountainous or hilly area, be aware of the possibility of landslides or rock falls after an earthquake.
- Help others: If it is safe to do so, contact your neighbors and offer assistance to those in need, especially the elderly, people with disabilities, and families with young children.
- Follow the instructions of authorities: Pay attention to announcements and guidelines issued by local emergency services and government agencies.
Considerations specific to Thailand:
- Building regulations: Be aware that building codes and construction practices may vary. Older buildings may be more vulnerable to earthquake damage.
- Tourism: If you are a tourist, familiarize yourself with your hotel or accommodation's emergency procedures.
- Communication: Make sure you have access to reliable news sources and understand how local authorities disseminate information.
By taking these precautions and knowing what to do during and after an earthquake, you can significantly increase your safety and the safety of those around you in Thailand. The recent incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness.
