Deadly Earthquake Devastates Central Myanmar, Junta Declares State of Emergency

On Friday, March 28, 2025, a massive earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck central Myanmar, leaving widespread destruction and hundreds of casualties in its wake. The epicenter was located near Sagaing, close to Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city. This disaster marks the most powerful earthquake to hit Myanmar since 1912.

Devastation Across Myanmar

The quake caused catastrophic damage in Mandalay and surrounding regions. Historic sites, including parts of the former royal palace, were severely impacted. The Ava Bridge, a 90-year-old structure spanning the Irrawaddy River, collapsed into the water, while major highways connecting Mandalay to Yangon were rendered unusable. In Naypyidaw, the national capital, roads were damaged and hospitals overwhelmed with casualties, forcing medical staff to set up outdoor triage areas.

The earthquake triggered a violent aftershock of magnitude 6.4 just 12 minutes later, further complicating rescue efforts. Reports indicate that at least 103 people have died in Myanmar, with over 350 injured and more than 200 missing or trapped under rubble.

State of Emergency Declared

Myanmar’s military junta declared a state of emergency across six regions: Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, Bago, northeastern Shan State, and Naypyidaw. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing visited hospitals in Naypyidaw to oversee relief efforts and made a rare appeal for international humanitarian aid. Blood donations were urgently requested for patients in Mandalay and Sagaing.

Myanmar’s ongoing civil war has significantly hindered rescue operations. Many affected areas are inaccessible due to conflict or damaged infrastructure. Social media posts from Mandalay show collapsed buildings and debris-strewn streets as residents remain fearful of further aftershocks7. Witnesses described scenes of panic as people fled their homes during the tremors.

The earthquake occurred along the Sagaing Fault, a major tectonic boundary prone to strike-slip faulting. The shallow depth of 10 kilometers intensified its destructive power. Experts warn that this seismic event could be part of a larger pattern along fault lines in central Myanmar.

As rescue teams continue their operations amid challenging conditions, Myanmar faces a long road to recovery from this devastating natural disaster.