March 28 – A 7.7-magnitude earthquake ravaged Southeast Asia on Friday, flattening buildings and killing dozens across Myanmar and Thailand. Striking near Mandalay, Myanmar, at 10 kilometers deep, the tremor triggered panic as rescue teams raced to dig through rubble.
Myanmar: Heavy Toll and State of Emergency Declared
Myanmar absorbed the quake’s fiercest blows, with infrastructure crumbling in multiple cities. In Taungoo, a mosque collapsed during prayers, crushing three worshippers, eyewitnesses confirmed. Meanwhile, in Aung Ban, a hotel disintegrated, killing two and injuring 20, local outlets reported.
The Yangon-Mandalay Expressway’s bridges and railways buckled, paralyzing transport networks. Mandalay residents watched in horror as a five-story building toppled, while the historic palace wall shattered. Social media footage revealed collapsed clock towers and markets, amplifying the scale of ruin.
Myanmar’s military junta swiftly declared a state of emergency, vowing accelerated rescues and aid. “We will prioritize humanitarian response,” officials announced on Telegram. However, the coup-stricken nation, isolated globally, now confronts compounded crises amid faltering disaster coordination.
Thailand: Skyscraper Collapse in Bangkok
In Thailand, violent tremors shook Bangkok, collapsing an unfinished skyscraper and killing one worker. Rescue crews saved dozens trapped beneath debris, according to emergency authorities. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt confirmed three deaths citywide and urged vigilance for aftershocks.
Witnesses described chaos as office ceilings caved in and hotel pools overflowed. “Everything shook—tables, chairs, computers—then I fled,” said Varunyou Armarttayakul, an office worker. Meanwhile, the Stock Exchange halted trading, fearing structural instability.
Regional Impact
The quake’s fury extended to China’s Yunnan province, where buildings swayed violently. No casualties emerged immediately, but authorities remain on high alert.
Emergency crews now battle time to free survivors buried in debris. In Mandalay, locals reported people trapped in a collapsed tea shop but feared unsafe entry. “The situation is dire,” one witness lamented. Aid groups mobilize supplies, yet damaged roads and political strife hinder relief.
Aftershocks Add to Fears
The USGS confirmed a potent aftershock rattled the region hours later, followed by moderate tremors. Officials in both nations warned citizens to avoid unstable structures.
A Region in Mourning
Southeast Asia now mourns its dead while bracing for prolonged recovery. The disaster exposes frail infrastructure and shaky preparedness in a seismically volatile zone. Updates will follow as rescuers persist and damage assessments unfold.
