7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Myanmar, Leaves Trail of Destruction

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Thailand and Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread damage. The earthquake, followed by a 6.8-magnitude aftershock, hit central Myanmar at 12.50 pm local time. The epicentre was located 16 kilometres northwest of Sagaing city, at a depth of 10 kilometres, according to the United States Geological Survey. Initial reports suggest at least 20 people have died in Myanmar, with many more feared trapped under the rubble.

In Myanmar, the quake caused the collapse of a mosque in Mandalay city, where worshippers were praying at the time. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but the death toll is expected to rise as the search for survivors continues. The Myanmar junta has declared a state of emergency and is calling for international assistance to cope with the aftermath of the disaster.

Tremors were felt far beyond Myanmar, including in northern Thailand, where several metro and rail services in Bangkok were temporarily suspended. In response to the crisis, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra convened an urgent meeting and declared a state of emergency in the capital. Videos shared on social media showed a multi-storey building under construction in Bangkok collapsing into a cloud of dust, with workers trapped inside. Authorities report that 43 workers were trapped at the site near the popular Chatuchak Market. The building, a 30-storey skyscraper being constructed for government offices, was reduced to rubble in seconds.

In addition to the collapse in Bangkok, the earthquake caused damage in Myanmar’s Sagaing region, including the fall of a 90-year-old bridge and damage to sections of the highway connecting Mandalay and Yangon. Other reports also highlight significant damage in Naypyitaw, the capital, where religious shrines and homes were affected by the quake.

The tremors were felt as far as Kolkata in India, as well as parts of Manipur in India and Dhaka and Chattogram in Bangladesh. In Kolkata, residents reported feeling mild tremors, with wall hangings swaying, though no significant damage was reported. In Manipur, panic spread through the Thangal Bazar area of Imphal, where many old buildings are located. Fortunately, no major damage or casualties have been reported from these regions.

In response to the disaster, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his concern for the affected regions. On social media, he posted: “Praying for the safety and wellbeing of everyone. India stands ready to offer all possible assistance. I have asked our authorities to be on standby and instructed the Ministry of External Affairs to remain in contact with the governments of Myanmar and Thailand.”

China’s Yunnan province also reported strong tremors, with the China Earthquake Networks Center measuring the magnitude at 7.9. Terrifying videos from affected regions showed buildings shaking violently, and in Bangkok, one video captured water spilling over the edge of an infinity pool, creating mini-tsunamis. Other footage from Bangkok showed the under-construction skyscraper in the Chatuchak neighbourhood collapsing, trapping workers underneath.

Earthquakes are not uncommon in Myanmar, with a history of strong quakes near the Sagaing Fault, which runs through the country. In 2016, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Bagan, killing three people and causing significant damage to the ancient city's temples.​