Myanmar and Thailand

7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Devastates Myanmar and Thailand, Thousands Feared Trapped

On March 28, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar at 12:51 PM local time, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. The tremor, which originated 21 kilometers northeast of Mandalay, was felt across the region, affecting neighboring Thailand, China, and India.

In Myanmar, at least 1,600 people have been confirmed dead, with more than 3,400 injured. Authorities warn that the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue. The hardest-hit areas include Mandalay, Sagaing, and Nay Pyi Taw, where aftershocks have forced thousands to seek refuge in open fields, fearing further collapses.

The impact extended beyond Myanmar’s borders, with significant destruction reported in Thailand. The earthquake triggered the collapse of a 30-story building under construction north of Bangkok, leading to multiple casualties. The Thai capital was declared a disaster area following the incident. According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, at least 18 people have died, 33 have been injured, and 78 remain missing. More than 9,500 reports of building damage have been recorded.

Thailand’s Transport Minister, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, expressed his condolences while visiting the collapsed construction site. “I’m deeply sorry for this incident,” he stated, as rescue teams continued searching for survivors trapped under the rubble.

State of Emergency and International Response

Myanmar’s military junta has declared a state of emergency, warning residents of the ongoing risk of aftershocks. In a rare move, the junta has also appealed for international aid.

Russia, China, and India were the first to respond, sending aid and search-and-rescue teams, followed by Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand. However, despite ongoing rescue efforts since Friday, aid has yet to reach many of the worst-affected areas due to damaged transportation and communication infrastructure.

The Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw airports sustained damage, while highways and bridges were also destroyed. Telecommunications infrastructure was hit hard, particularly in Sagaing, where phone and internet services are partially down, exacerbating the challenge of coordinating relief efforts.

Desperate Calls for Help

Sagaing, a region already suffering from conflict and resistance movements against the military junta, is among the worst affected. A local resident pleaded for assistance:

“Please help Sagaing. We have not received any aid, and no search-and-rescue teams have arrived to look for survivors. The smell of rotting bodies from the collapsed buildings is overwhelming. It seems like no one is left alive.”

In Mandalay, hundreds of Muslim worshippers are feared dead after the earthquake struck during Ramadan prayers. Over 50 mosques across the country sustained damage, according to the National Unity Government (NUG).

In Nay Pyi Taw, the hospital’s emergency department collapsed, injuring patients inside, along with damage to other governmental buildings. The Chinese and Singaporean embassies have shared their ongoing rescue efforts in Nay Pyi Taw on social media.

Rising Fears Amid Aftershocks and Shortages

On Sunday at 1:00 PM local time, an aftershock measuring 5.1 magnitude struck the affected areas, heightening fears among both residents and rescue workers. Civil organizations report that Sagaing and Mandalay are now facing shortages of food, clean water, medical supplies, and shelter.

Local cemeteries are struggling to handle the rising number of bodies, further deepening the humanitarian crisis.

Earthquake Disaster Worsened by Civil War

Myanmar remains embroiled in civil war, further complicating relief efforts. Singapore’s Prime Minister has called for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate the effective delivery of aid following an ASEAN Special Emergency Meeting.

While the National Unity Government (NUG) has agreed to halt fighting temporarily, the military junta continues its airstrikes in Northern Shan State, killing at least seven people. The United Nations condemned the attacks as “completely outrageous and unacceptable.”

Concerns Over Aid Distribution

Pro-democracy and human rights activists have cautioned against legitimizing the military junta through international aid. They argue that in past disasters, such as Cyclone Nargis, aid failed to reach those most in need due to government interference.

In response, Western countries are exploring alternative methods to deliver aid directly to affected communities. The European Union has pledged €2.5 million in emergency assistance, while the United States has donated up to $2 million through Myanmar-based humanitarian organizations.

A Race Against Time

Despite international support, reaching survivors remains a significant challenge due to damaged infrastructure and political instability. As the crisis unfolds, Myanmar’s people continue to suffer under the combined weight of natural disaster, conflict, and an uncertain future.

*Hnin Wint Naing is a regional communications officer of the Southeast and East Asia Office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom.
*Takdanai Ketkaew is a program assistant and communication officer of the Thailand Office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom.