Earthquakes Shake Thailand and Myanmar, Bangkok High-Rise Collapses
Two powerful earthquakes struck Southeast Asia on March 28, causing widespread panic, damage, and disruption across Thailand and Myanmar. The first quake, measuring 7.7 in magnitude, originated in central Myanmar at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), according to the U.S. Geological Survey and Germany’s GFZ center for geosciences. A strong 6.4 magnitude aftershock followed shortly after.
In Bangkok, a 30-story high-rise under construction collapsed, triggering a state of emergency in the Thai capital. Authorities confirmed 43 workers were trapped, but the full extent of casualties is still unknown.
Scenes of Chaos in Bangkok
The first tremor hit around 1:30 p.m. local time, sending residents and tourists fleeing high-rise buildings and offices. Alarm systems blared as debris fell from rooftops, and water from rooftop pools splashed down city streets. Shaken by the prolonged tremor, thousands gathered in open areas like Benjasiri Park for safety.
@bbcnews Huge earthquake with magnitude 7.7 hits Myanmar with shocks and damage as far away as Bangkok. #Earthquake #Tremor #Aftershock #Quake #Magnitude #Geology #Asia #Myanmar #Bangkok #China #Thailand #News #BBCNews ♬ original sound – BBC News
“The whole building began to move… people were screaming, running, lots of panic,” said tourist Fraser Morton, who was inside a Bangkok mall during the quake.
Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention confirmed the quake was felt in nearly all regions of the country. In response, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra convened an emergency meeting and placed Bangkok under a citywide state of emergency.
The Bangkok Stock Exchange temporarily suspended trading, and emergency services rushed to assess damages.
Structural Damage Across Myanmar
Myanmar, closer to the quake’s epicenter, suffered severe damage in Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city. Eyewitnesses reported collapsing buildings, damage to the former royal palace, and structural failure across parts of the city. A 90-year-old bridge in Sagaing collapsed, while sections of the highway between Mandalay and Yangon were rendered impassable.
In Naypyitaw, Myanmar’s capital, religious shrines crumbled, homes cracked, and roads buckled. A major hospital became a mass casualty site, with injured residents treated outside due to overcrowding.
Emergency Response Underway
Rescue and response efforts are underway in both countries. While no official casualty figures have been released, local media and emergency workers are reporting dozens of injuries and widespread damage. The Indian government has offered assistance, signaling potential international aid coordination.
This region is no stranger to seismic activity, but the magnitude and reach of Friday’s quakes are unusual. Many residents compared the experience to prior events, noting the duration and intensity made this one particularly alarming.
Key Impacts of the Earthquakes at a Glance:
- 7.7 magnitude quake struck central Myanmar, followed by a 6.4 aftershock
- Bangkok high-rise under construction collapsed; 43 workers reportedly trapped
- Emergency declared in Bangkok
- Widespread structural damage in Mandalay, Naypyitaw, and Sagaing
- Hospitals in Myanmar overwhelmed
- Millions across the region felt the tremors
What’s Next?
Authorities in both Thailand and Myanmar are continuing damage assessments and search-and-rescue operations. Residents are urged to remain in open spaces and avoid unstable structures due to the possibility of aftershocks.
The disaster also highlights ongoing infrastructure vulnerabilities in earthquake-prone regions, especially where urban development intersects with seismic fault zones.
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