A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar on Friday. Tremors were felt across neighbouring Thailand, causing severe structural damage and loss of life. The quake ruptured along the Sagaing Fault, a major geological fault line.
Figure 1: Myanmar was hit by a massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake
Heavy Casualties and Infrastructure Damage in Myanmar
Myanmar’s military junta confirmed multiple fatalities and injuries. The quake damaged critical infrastructure, including hospitals and historical sites. The Mandalay General Hospital, the only public hospital in the area, is reportedly full and lacks power and water.
The quake also damaged the historic Royal Palace in Mandalay. Gaping holes appeared in the palace wall, one of Myanmar’s most visited tourist sites before the 2021 military coup.
Figure 2: The Historic Royal Palace in Mandalay destroyed by earthquake
Humanitarian Access Restricted
Amnesty International urged Myanmar’s military to allow unrestricted aid access. The earthquake hit central Myanmar, already devastated by military conflict since the 2021 coup. The region remains difficult to access due to active militias and restricted media coverage.
Bangkok Suffers Structural Collapses
In Bangkok, Thailand, a high-rise building under construction collapsed. The building, part of the State Audit Office complex, was being built by China Railway No.10 Engineering Group. Around 320 workers were on site when the building fell. At least three workers died, and dozens remain trapped.
A construction worker, Sunan Kenkiat, survived the collapse. He described the chaotic moments after the quake hit. Dust and debris filled the air as the building shook. He managed to escape but reported that three coworkers remained trapped.
Figure 3: The Debris of a collapsed building in Bangkok, Thailand
Efforts to Rescue Trapped Workers
Rescue teams are working to locate survivors at the collapsed site near Bangkok’s Chatuchak Park. Sniffer dogs and specialised rescue equipment are being used. Thai officials declared Bangkok an “emergency zone” and advised people to evacuate high-rise buildings.
Situation in Thailand Stabilising
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said the situation in Bangkok was stabilising. Aftershocks continued but posed no further risk. Residents have been allowed to return to their buildings if deemed safe.
Seismologists Compare Quake to 2023 Turkey Earthquake
Experts compared the Myanmar quake to the 2023 Turkey earthquake, which killed more than 50,000 people. The United States Geological Survey estimated that Myanmar’s quake exposed around 800,000 people to violent shaking, compared to Turkey’s 750,000. Nearly five million people in Myanmar experienced severe shaking.
Damage to Public Infrastructure
Myanmar Red Cross reported power and internet outages in Mandalay, Sagaing, Naypyidaw, Bago, and Southern Shan. Damaged infrastructure included roads, bridges, and public buildings. Communities reported collapsed walls and widespread panic.
Concerns also arose over large-scale dams in the quake-hit regions. Engineers and local authorities are monitoring potential structural failures.
FIgure 4: A crack is seen on a building in Bangkok, Thailand
Emergency Response and Aid Efforts
The Myanmar Red Cross has mobilised response teams to Mandalay. Emergency services are providing first aid and assessing damage. International organisations are calling for the immediate removal of administrative barriers to aid distribution.
Earthquake’s Geological Background
The Sagaing Fault is part of the Tibetan Plateau’s tectonic structure. It formed when the Indian subcontinent collided with Asia. The fault moves around 0.7 inches per year, creating significant geological stress.
The earthquake is the largest in Myanmar since 1946. The 1946 quake, estimated at 7.6 to 7.7 magnitude, also occurred along the Sagaing Fault. Experts described the fault’s rupture as a “knife cut into the Earth.”
Social Media and Information Restrictions
Myanmar’s military government has restricted internet access, making it hard to assess the quake’s full impact. Media outlets are banned, and reliable information remains scarce. International observers expressed concern about the lack of transparency.
Community Reaction and Aftermath
Residents of affected areas reported fear and uncertainty. People gathered on the streets, wary of returning to their homes. In Mandalay, the local hospital’s inability to admit more patients intensified public anxiety.
International Support and Appeals
Global humanitarian organisations are calling for coordinated aid efforts. Blood donations are urgently needed in hospitals near the quake’s epicentre. Local authorities continue to assess the damage, but logistical challenges persist.
Long-term Impact and Recovery
Experts predict a long recovery period due to ongoing conflict and limited infrastructure. Humanitarian agencies stress the need for swift action to support displaced populations. The scale of the disaster remains uncertain, but the immediate focus is on rescue and relief.
