Shaking the Nation: Devastating Earthquakes Strike Myanmar, Leaving a Trail of Destruction and Fear

A Powerful Earthquake Strikes Myanmar, Shaking Neighbouring Thailand

A strong magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reporting a secondary magnitude 6.4 tremor in the region. The quakes were felt as far as Thailand, where residents of Bangkok and the tourist city of Chiang Mai were jolted awake by the powerful shakes.

The first tremor, which hit 16km northwest of the city of Sagaing at a depth of 10km, was reported by the USGS at around 12:50pm (06:20 GMT) on Friday. The China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) also reported the quake, measuring it at magnitude 7.9, with tremors reported in Yunnan. The force of the quakes was strong enough to send water sloshing out of pools in Bangkok, reported eyewitnesses.

In Myanmar’s capital Naypyidaw, the tremors buckled roads and caused chunks of ceilings to fall from buildings. “I heard it and I was sleeping in the house, I ran as far as I could in my pyjamas out of the building,” said Duangjai, a resident of Chiang Mai, who was shaken by the experience. Some residents were left trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building under construction in the Chatuchak area of Bangkok.

The Thai Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, interrupted an official visit to the southern island of Phuket to hold an “urgent meeting” in response to the earthquake. The quake has also prompted the suspension of some metro and light rail services in Bangkok.

Earthquakes are relatively common in Myanmar, with six strong quakes of 7.0 magnitude or higher striking the region between 1930 and 1956 near the Sagaing Fault. A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake in 2016 in the ancient capital Bagan killed three people, causing widespread damage to the region’s historic temples. The impoverished Southeast Asian nation struggles with a strained medical system, particularly in its rural areas.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the earthquake will impact the region. One thing is certain, however – the people of Myanmar and Thailand will rally together in the face of this disaster, just as they have in the face of others in the past.

Original Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/28/powerful-earthquake-strikes-myanmar
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Publish Date: 2025-03-28 12:15:00