“Myanmar Earthquake 2025: Over 150 Killed, Rescue Missions Intensify in Thailand and Myanmar”
Myanmar Earthquake 2025: Death Toll Rises as Rescue Teams Race Against Time
A catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar near Sagaing on Friday, claiming over 150 lives and injuring hundreds across Myanmar and Thailand. The tremor, followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock, triggered widespread destruction, collapsing buildings, damaging critical infrastructure, and prompting international aid appeals.
Key Details of the Disaster
- Magnitude & Epicenter: The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 km, 17.2 km from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city (population: 1.2 million).
- Casualties: Myanmar’s state media confirmed 144 deaths and 732 injuries, while Thailand reported at least 8 fatalities and 117 missing in Bangkok.
- Infrastructure Damage: Historic sites like Mandalay’s Ma Soe Yane monastery and Naypyidaw’s former royal palace suffered severe damage. A 90-year-old bridge in Sagaing and highways connecting Yangon and Mandalay collapsed, disrupting transport.
Bangkok Skyscraper Collapse: State of Emergency Declared
In Thailand’s capital, a 33-story government building under construction crumbled, trapping dozens of workers. Rescue teams pulled seven survivors from the rubble, but fears grow for those still missing. Bangkok’s subway and elevated transit systems halted operations, and the city was declared a disaster zone. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as buildings swayed, forcing crowds into streets.
Myanmar Junta Appeals for Global Aid
Myanmar’s military leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, declared a state of emergency in affected regions and invited “any country” to assist. India and ASEAN nations were specifically “permitted” to provide support. The junta cited challenges from ongoing civil conflicts complicating rescue efforts.
International Response
- Pope Francis: Offered prayers for victims, urging solidarity amid recovery efforts.
- U.S. President Donald Trump: Pledged American assistance, stating, “We will be helping.”
- UN and Regional Bodies: Monitoring the crisis, with aid organizations mobilizing resources.
Survivors’ Accounts: Chaos and Panic
Witnesses in Bangkok and Myanmar shared harrowing experiences. A Scottish tourist recalled, “The whole building began to move… people screamed and ran everywhere.” Social media footage showed monks filming their monastery moments before its collapse. In Myanmar’s low-lying areas, a burst dam caused flooding, compounding the disaster.
Ongoing Risks: Aftershocks and Recovery Challenges
Shallow-depth aftershocks continue to threaten stability in affected zones. Myanmar’s state media warned the death toll could rise as remote areas assess damage. Rescue teams face hurdles like damaged roads, communication outages, and political instability in Myanmar.