On March 28, 2025, Myanmar was struck by a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake centered near Mandalay, the nation's second-largest city. This catastrophic event resulted in over 1,700 fatalities, more than 3,400 injuries, and left upwards of 300 individuals unaccounted for. YouTube+6Wikipedia+6ABC News+6Cadena SER
The earthquake inflicted severe damage across central Myanmar, toppling buildings, destroying bridges, and causing significant infrastructure failures. In Mandalay, numerous structures collapsed, including residential buildings, monasteries, and schools. The Mahamuni Pagoda, a revered religious site, also sustained considerable damage. Satellite imagery has revealed the extensive destruction, with entire neighborhoods leveled. Business InsiderYouTube
Rescue operations have been challenging due to ongoing civil unrest and damaged infrastructure. Despite these obstacles, emergency teams have managed to extract survivors from the rubble, including a pregnant woman and a young girl in Mandalay. The World Health Organization has issued an $8 million appeal to support emergency medical care and disease prevention efforts. Al Jazeera+9The Guardian+9AP News+9Reuters
The international community has responded with humanitarian aid. China and India have dispatched search and rescue teams, medical personnel, and essential supplies to assist in relief efforts. The United Nations has allocated $5 million for immediate relief and deployed mobile medical units to the affected regions. NPRBusiness Insider
The disaster's impact extended beyond Myanmar's borders. In Bangkok, Thailand, the earthquake caused the collapse of a building under construction, resulting in 17 deaths, 32 injuries, and 83 individuals reported missing. The tremors were felt as far as Kolkata, India, where buildings experienced significant shaking.ABC News+16Cadena SER+16Business Insider+16
The situation in Myanmar remains dire, with rescue operations ongoing and the full extent of the damage still being assessed. The combination of natural disaster and existing political instability poses significant challenges for recovery and relief efforts.