Thai rescue workers arrive on scene at a construction building collapse in the Chatuchak area following the earthquake (Photo by Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images)
March 25, 2025 | By FlashpointNews Team
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar today, causing widespread devastation and loss of life across the region. The tremor, with its epicenter 17 km (10 miles) from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, was felt in neighboring Thailand and China.
Death Toll and Damage
At least 144 people have died in Myanmar, with eight fatalities reported in Thailand. The quake caused multiple buildings to collapse, including a mosque in Myanmar, which resulted in three deaths. A hotel also crumbled, leaving at least two dead.
Shocking Scenes from Mandalay
The earthquake created chaos in Mandalay, a city known for its historic royal past and Buddhist significance. Footage shows residents running in panic, embracing loved ones, and watching helplessly as buildings swayed and collapsed.
Among the wreckage, an orange-colored building was seen tumbling to the ground, while emergency crews worked frantically to rescue survivors. The Myanmar government has declared a state of emergency in several regions, calling for urgent blood donations for the injured.
Myanmar Faces Challenges in Recovery
Myanmar, one of Asia’s poorest nations, is already struggling with the effects of a civil war that began in 2021 and a worsening food security crisis.
Adding to the disaster, bridges and highways have been destroyed, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach affected areas. The International Red Cross has confirmed that vital infrastructure, including roads and power lines, has suffered heavy damage.
Experts are also concerned about the safety of dams and reservoirs, as earthquakes can trigger localized tsunamis or water surges, leading to secondary disasters.
Destruction in Thailand
Although Thailand reported fewer casualties, the destruction was immense. At least three people died, and buildings suffered severe damage. A 30-story high-rise in Bangkok, built by a state-owned Chinese company, completely collapsed in a cloud of dust, sending workers and bystanders running for their lives.
Thai authorities are searching for 117 missing workers, believed to be trapped under the rubble. Meanwhile, dramatic footage captured the moment a rooftop infinity pool in Bangkok overflowed, creating a waterfall effect as water cascaded down the side of a luxury hotel. Tourists and staff evacuated the building in a panic as the tremors continued.
How This Earthquake Compares to Past Disasters
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake was relatively shallow (10 km deep), making its impact on the surface much more intense. Compared to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake (9.1 magnitude) that killed 228,000 people, this quake was smaller but still caused severe destruction.
The largest earthquake ever recorded was in Chile in 1960, with a magnitude of 9.5.
Conclusion
This devastating earthquake has left Myanmar and Thailand in crisis mode, with ongoing rescue efforts and humanitarian aid desperately needed. With buildings crumbling, roads destroyed, and survivors in need of medical care, the region faces a long and difficult recovery.
Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage, while the world watches and hopes for swift relief efforts for those affected.
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