A massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday morning, sending shockwaves across the region and triggering widespread panic as far as Bangkok, Thailand.
The quake, confirmed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), occurred at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers, intensifying its impact.
Tremors Felt in Myanmar’s Major Cities
The epicenter was located approximately 17.2 kilometers from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, home to over 1.2 million residents. In Mandalay, buildings were damaged, debris littered the streets, and videos on social media showed collapsed structures, though these reports are still being verified.
In Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, residents evacuated buildings and gathered outdoors. “People just ran out screaming,” said a witness contacted by Reuters. Officials from Myanmar’s Fire Services Department confirmed they have begun assessing the situation across the city, though no casualties have been reported yet.
Bangkok Shaken, Tourists Flee Hotels
Shockwaves from the earthquake in Myanmar were felt hundreds of kilometers away in Bangkok, where frightened hotel guests in bathrobes and swimwear poured onto the streets. Witnesses in Thailand’s capital said buildings swayed for nearly a minute.
Although Thailand was not the epicenter, the tremors rattled nerves and temporarily disrupted daily life. No injuries or structural damage have been reported in Bangkok at this time.
Aftershock Hits Minutes Later
Shortly after the main quake, a powerful aftershock was recorded, further alarming residents and emergency services in the region. Experts warn that additional tremors could follow in the coming days.
“The earthquake was significant due to its shallow depth and proximity to populated areas,” said a geophysicist with USGS. “We advise caution and readiness for aftershocks.”
Emergency Response Underway
Myanmar’s authorities are now conducting search and damage assessment operations across affected areas due to the earthquake. The government has yet to issue a formal statement but confirmed that emergency services are active in multiple regions, including Mandalay and Yangon.
The earthquake comes amid rising concerns about the country’s infrastructure resilience, as many buildings in rural and urban Myanmar remain vulnerable to seismic activity.
Regional Seismic Activity on the Rise?
This earthquake is the strongest to hit Myanmar in recent years, raising questions about the region’s tectonic activity. Myanmar lies in a seismically active zone, bordered by major fault lines that regularly generate powerful earthquakes.
The 2025 Myanmar quake follows a pattern of increasing seismic events across Southeast Asia, leading geologists to urge governments to invest in better building codes and preparedness measures.
