
https://linktr.ee/happylife90A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread destruction and sending tremors as far as China, Thailand, and parts of India. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake’s epicenter was 16 kilometers (10 miles) northwest of the city of Sagaing, at a depth of 10 kilometers. The earthquake struck at 12:50 PM local time (0620 GMT), leading to panic and significant structural damage in multiple regions.
Severe Impact in Myanmar
The full extent of damage and casualties in Myanmar is still being assessed, but initial reports indicate severe destruction in several cities. A doctor at a hospital in Myanmar’s capital, Naypyidaw, confirmed that at least 20 people had died so far. “Many injured people are still arriving, and we are trying to handle the situation. I haven’t seen anything like this before,” the doctor told AFP.
In addition to human casualties, the earthquake caused buildings to collapse in five cities and damaged critical infrastructure, including a railway bridge and a road bridge on the Yangon-Mandalay

Expressway, according to Myanmar’s state media. The Red Cross also reported significant damage to roads, bridges, and public buildings, raising concerns about the stability of large dams in the affected regions.
A rescuer in Mandalay described the situation as “horrendous,” stating that the death toll is likely in the hundreds, though exact figures are still being verified. The damage is extensive, and rescue operations are ongoing.
Panic and Destruction in Thailand
The earthquake’s powerful tremors were felt throughout northern Thailand and even reached Bangkok, where residents fled to the streets as buildings shook violently. Several high-rise buildings swayed, and social media visuals showed people evacuating shopping malls in a state of panic.
One eyewitness, Fraser Morton, a Scottish tourist in Bangkok, described the terrifying moments inside a mall:
“All of a sudden, the whole building began to move. There was screaming and a lot of panic. People were running in different directions, even down escalators the wrong way. It was chaotic.”
The Thai capital witnessed severe aftershocks, leading to the temporary suspension of metro and light rail services. Adding to the crisis, an under-construction 30-story skyscraper in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district collapsed, killing at least three people and trapping 81 others under the rubble. Rescue efforts are underway to find survivors.

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong stated that the country’s telecommunication systems had also been disrupted due to the earthquake. The transport ministry has halted public transportation services, including buses and electric trains, until further safety assessments are made.
Tremors Reach China and India
The earthquake’s effects were felt in China’s southwestern Yunnan province, with Beijing’s quake agency reporting it as a 7.9-magnitude earthquake. While no major damage was immediately reported in China, authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
In India, mild tremors were recorded in West Bengal’s Kolkata and Manipur’s Imphal. According to official sources cited by news agency PTI, there were no reports of damage or casualties in these regions.
Red Cross and International Response
The Red Cross has expressed deep concern over the situation in Myanmar. Marie Manrique, a program coordinator for the International Federation of the Red Cross, stated:
“Public infrastructure has been damaged, including roads, bridges, and public buildings. We are currently monitoring the condition of large-scale dams in the region.”
With power lines down, rescue operations in Mandalay, Sagaing, and the southern Shan state are becoming increasingly difficult. The Red Cross has classified the situation as a “significant humanitarian crisis” and is working to gather more details on the immediate needs of those affected.
Indian Embassy Issues Emergency Helpline
Following the earthquake, the Indian embassy in Bangkok issued an emergency helpline number (+66 618819218) for Indian nationals in Thailand who might require assistance. The embassy reassured that it is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with Thai authorities.
“So far, no untoward incident involving any Indian citizen has been reported. All members of the Indian Embassy in Bangkok and the Consulate in Chiang Mai are safe,” the embassy stated.
Rescue Efforts and Future Concerns
As search-and-rescue teams continue to work in Myanmar and Thailand, there is growing concern about the long-term impact of the earthquake. Many people remain trapped under collapsed buildings, and rescuers are racing against time to pull survivors from the rubble.
In Naypyidaw, the emergency department of the city’s largest hospital is overwhelmed, with rows of wounded victims lying outside, awaiting treatment. Doctors and medical staff are exhausted but are continuing their efforts to treat the injured.
The United Nations and several international relief agencies have also stepped in, offering aid and assistance to Myanmar. Relief teams are expected to arrive in the most affected areas within the next 24 hours.
A History of Earthquakes in Myanmar
Earthquakes are not uncommon in Myanmar. The country lies along the Sagaing Fault, which runs north to south through its central region. Between 1930 and 1956, six strong earthquakes with magnitudes above 7.0 struck this area. The latest 7.7-magnitude quake is one of the most powerful in recent history, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity.
In nutshell
The massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has caused widespread devastation, with at least 20 confirmed deaths in Naypyidaw, three deaths in Bangkok, and dozens of others feared trapped. The tremors were felt across multiple countries, including China, Thailand, and India.
With rescue operations still underway, the full extent of the destruction remains unclear. However, early reports indicate significant loss of life, collapsed buildings, and major disruptions to infrastructure. The international community, including relief agencies and neighboring countries, is stepping in to provide aid and assistance. Authorities are now focused on rescuing those still trapped, assessing the damage, and ensuring the safety of millions affected by this catastrophic earthquake.