500+ recorded (by July 2025) Mw 6.7 on 28 March 2025(Strongest)
Casualties
5,456 fatalities 11,404 injured 538 missing
On 28 March 2025, at 12:50:52MMT (06:20:52 UTC), amoment magnitude (Mw ) 7.7–7.9earthquake struck theSagaing Region of Myanmar, with anepicenter close toMandalay, the country's second-largest city. The shaking caused by thisstrike-slip shock reached a maximumModified Mercalli intensity of X (Extreme). It was the most powerful earthquake to strike Myanmar since1912,[1] and the second deadliest in Myanmar's modern history, surpassed only by upper estimates of the1930 Bago earthquake.[2] The earthquake caused extensive damage in Myanmar, particularly in areas near the rupture, and significant damage in neighboring Thailand. Hundreds of homes were also damaged inYunnan, China, while more than 400 apartments were affected inHo Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
The earthquake directly killed up to 5,352 people in Myanmar and 103 in Thailand, while one person died from shock in Vietnam. Up to 11,404 people were injured and hundreds more were reported missing. Most of the fatalities in Thailand occurredat a collapsed construction site in Bangkok, whose shallow geology makes it more vulnerable toseismic waves from far away.[3][4] Authorities in both Myanmar and Thailand declared astate of emergency.[5][6] As the earthquake struck duringFriday prayer hours, collapsing mosques resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Muslims.[7] In addition, more than 8,300 monasteries, nunneries and pagodas were destroyed.[8] Theongoing civil war in Myanmar exacerbated the difficulty of disaster relief and info exposure.[9][10] It was the deadliest earthquake globally since the2023 Turkey–Syria earthquakes.[11]
Myanmar is wedged between fourtectonic plates (theIndian,Eurasian,Sunda, andBurma plates) that interact in activegeological processes. Along the west coast of theCoco Islands, off the Rakhine coast, and into Bangladesh, is a highly obliqueconvergent boundary known as theSunda megathrust. This large fault marks the boundary between the Indian and Burma plates. The megathrust emerges from the seafloor in Bangladesh, where it runs parallel and east of theChin Hills. This boundary continues to the north of Myanmar where it ends at the easternHimalayas.[12]
A 1,400-kilometre (870 mi)transform fault runs through Myanmar and connects the Andamanspreading center to acollision zone in the north. Called theSagaing Fault, it is a boundary between theBurma andSunda plates as they slide past each other at 18–49 mm (0.71–1.93 in) per year. It is Myanmar's largest and most active source of earthquakes, running through or close to major cities includingYangon,Naypyidaw, andMandalay. Large and damaging earthquakes occurred along the fault inMay andDecember 1930 (Ms 7.3 & 7.5),1931 (Ms 7.5),1946 (Mw 7.3 & 7.7),1956 (Mw 7.1), 1991 (Mw 6.8) and2012 (Mw 6.9).[13] The magnitudes of earthquakes on the Sagaing Fault vary across the fault zone from Mw 7.0 to 8.0. Therecurrence interval also varies depending on the location along the fault; its southern segments, which ruptured in 1930, have return periods of 100–150 years based onpaleoseismological studies.[12]
Destructive earthquakes have affected the area for centuries, but academic research has been limited. Most earthquakes in Myanmar, including large surface rupturing events, are thus not well understood. A large Mw 8.5–8.8earthquake in 1762 ruptured a section of theSunda megathrust off the Rakhine coast. That earthquake may have been caused by the Indian platesubducting beneath the Burma plate along themegathrust. Remnants of the subducted Indian plate beneath central Myanmar also causeintraslab earthquakes; one example is the1975 Bagan earthquake (Mw 7.0) which occurred at a depth of 120 km (75 mi).[12]
According to a study published inJournal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, the Sagaing Fault can be divided into two regions; the northern and southern sections. The Sagaing Fault between 16.5 and 23.5 degrees north latitude is defined as the southern section. It is further divided into five segments from south to north; the Bago, Pyu, Naypyidaw, Meiktila, and Sagaing segments. The Naypyidaw segment is characterised by two parallel faults running for 70 km (43 mi) with parts of them located beneath the capital city, Naypyidaw. The last recorded earthquake was in 1929 with a magnitude smaller than 7.0. The 220 km (140 mi) long Meiktila segment extends between Mandalay and Naypyidaw and is characterised as a linear feature. The nearly flat topography across this segment suggest the slip component is entirely horizontal. This segment has not experienced any major earthquakes, although it possibly ruptured during the1839 Ava earthquake. The Sagaing segment is also another linear segment that runs parallel to theIrrawaddy River. The northern part of this segment ruptured during one of themainshocks in the1946 Sagaing earthquakes, while the1956 Sagaing earthquake ruptured the southern strand.[14]
This earthquake also affected Thailand, with damage primarily concentrated in theBangkok region, about 1,000 km (620 mi) away from the epicenter. Bangkok's geology, characterised by a top layer of soft marine clay, renders its emerging high-rises vulnerable to distant, powerful earthquakes, as the ubiquitous clay layer contributes to localsite effects amplifyinglong-period ground motion which in turn can match theresonant frequency of tall buildings.[4][15][16] Occupants in Bangkok have often felt effects from earthquakes centered many hundreds or even thousands of kilometres away. Research headed by Pennung Warnitchai of theAsian Institute of Technology had previously identified the Sagaing Fault as a potential risk, if a magnitude-8.0 earthquake were to occur in the Andaman Sea, 400 km (250 mi) from the city, resulting in future disaster.[17][18] For preventing catastrophic effects in skyscrapers, elementary seismic considerations were only added to the building code in 2007, with older structures being particularly dangerous.[15]
The earthquake was followed by more than 468 aftershocks by 12 April, according to the Thai Meteorological Department. These aftershocks were recorded in Myanmar and nearby regions including 13 events between magnitude 5.0 and 5.9. There were also 21 aftershocks recorded in Mae Hong Son with magnitudes of 1.4 to 3.9.[24] These aftershocks in Myanmar were distributed along a 400 km (250 mi) zone of the Sagaing Fault, though they were sparse along the central portion of the rupture.[25] The largest aftershock measured Mww 6.7 and occurred 12 minutes after the mainshock with a hypocenter beneath Mandalay International Airport. This aftershock also had a focal mechanism corresponding to strike-slip faulting.[26]
Security camera footage of the rupture shifting the ground nearThazi, MyanmarLateral spreading inSagaing
According to a finite fault model released by theUSGS, theearthquake rupture extended about 530 km (330 mi) by 20 km (12 mi) fromSingu in Mandalay toKyauktaga inBago. From the epicenter the rupture propagated more than 85 km (53 mi) to the north and terminated just south of Singu. About 445 km (277 mi) of the rupture occurred to the south where it terminated at Kyauktaga. Most of the slip which exceeded 1 m (3 ft 3 in) was concentrated between Singu andOktwin while less than 1 m (3 ft 3 in) of slip occurred beneathPyu and further south. A gap with an apparent lack of slip exists between Naypyidaw and Pyu which the USGS attributes to a lack of observations. A maximum slip of 4.3334 m (14.217 ft) was recorded southeast of thehypocenter, between Sagaing andAmarapura. The entire rupture process took just over 80 seconds with the greatest phase of seismic moment release occurring about 30 seconds after initiation. The rupture is thought to have propagated at speeds in excess of theshear wave velocity, making this an example of asupershear earthquake.[19]
Satellite data also confirmed the inferred observations of an exceptionally longsurface rupture extending fromKyaukmyaung, Sagaing toPenwegon, Bago. The length of the surface rupture from satellite data was 500 km (310 mi). Throughout most of the rupture, slip at the surface exceeded 3 m (9.8 ft) while around the epicenter area, reached 4–5 m (13–16 ft).[27] A study of satellite data at theGeospatial Information Authority of Japan revealed that up to 6 m (20 ft) of horizontal displacement occurred along the fault.[28] Italy'sNational Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology published their finite fault model comprising three north–south trending segments. They proposed that each segment produced a magnitude 7.5 and ruptured for a total length of 500 km (310 mi). The three segment ruptures corresponded in a cumulative moment magnitude of 7.8. According to their model, the earthquake produced a maximum slip of 7.4 m (24 ft) at a depth of 1.9 km (1.2 mi) along the central segment north of Naypyidaw.[29] The earthquake produced one of the longest ruptures observed in the world, surpassing the lengths recorded by other large strike-slip events such as the2002 Denali,2009 Swan Islands,2023 Turkey–Syria and2013 Balochistan earthquakes.[30]
A 2011 study by Nobuo Hurukawa and Phyo Maung Maung inGeophysical Research Letters identified twoseismic gaps along the Sagaing Fault. One of these gaps is located in central Myanmar between 19.2 degrees north and 21.5 degrees north, corresponding to the Meiktila segment. The pair concluded that this 260 km (160 mi) gap could produce a magnitude 7.9 earthquake if it completely ruptures.[31] The Meiktila and Sagaing segment (to the north) may have been the source of the1839 Ava earthquake. It is believed to have ruptured 285–325 km (177–202 mi) of the fault on both segments. A study of the seismic intensity distribution suggest the estimated magnitude of the 1839 event was 7.9.[32]
Seismologists Judith Hubbard and Kyle Bradley said this seismic gap is located between the 1929 (Naypyidaw segment) and 1956 (southern Sagaing segment) ruptures. The pair said the 2025 earthquake ruptured the entire seismic gap and extended further north and south of it based on their analysis of the finite fault model by the USGS. The rupture extent corresponded with the Pyu, Naypyidaw, Meiktila and the southern part of the Sagaing segments. The southern extent of the rupture overlapped the rupture zones of the 1929 (Naypyidaw segment) and December 1930 (Pyu segment) earthquakes.[33] The fault extent involved in the Mw 7.1 earthquake in 1956 also seemed to have moved during the 28 March 2025 event. They estimated that the rupture terminated in the north just south of the 2012 Shwebo earthquake rupture (which occurred on the central Sagaing segment).[34]
Map showing estimated degree of damage (black to yellow) in settlements marked as dots.
AGFZ seismic station inNaypyidaw recorded a verticalpeak ground acceleration (pga) of 1.0656g.[35] A USGS seismic installation in the city recorded 0.6231g in ground acceleration and 161.42 cm/s (63.55 in/s) in ground velocity; the station data corresponded to aModified Mercalli intensity of X (Extreme).[36]
The USGS'PAGER service estimated at least 415,000 people in areas ofMandalay,Bago,Naypyidaw andSagaing were exposed to MMI X. Additionally, shaking corresponding to MMI IX (Violent) was exposed to an estimated 5.8 million people in the four regions. Another 3.6 million people were subjected to MMI VIII (Severe) shaking, the maximum intensity recorded inMagway Region,Shan andKayin States. MMI VII (Very Strong) was also recorded inKayah,Mon,Ayeyarwady,Yangon, and VI (Strong) inRakhine,Chin,Kachins andRuili in China. MMI V (Moderate) was recorded in Bangkok andChiang Mai in Thailand,Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture in China,Imphal in India, and Yangon City. Overall, 38.92 million people, more than 70% of Myanmar's population, were estimated to have been exposed to shaking levels exceeding MMI VI in 14 of the15 administrative divisions.[a][19] In Thailand, shaking was felt in 63 of the country's77 provinces.[37]
TheChina Earthquake Administration estimated a maximum intensity of X on theChina seismic intensity scale along the 400 km (250 mi) rupture, or an area of about 11,596 km2 (4,477 sq mi). Intensity IX surrounded the zone of maximum intensity, encompassing a 30,364 km2 (11,724 sq mi) area. This zone was surrounded by a 64,003 km2 (24,712 sq mi) area that experienced intensity VIII. Intensities VII and VI formed the inner and outer isoseismal bands according to the agency's assessment with areas of 16,254 km2 (6,276 sq mi) and 149,829 km2 (57,849 sq mi), respectively.[22] InNongdao, Yunnan, a seismic instrument recorded a maximum intensity of VIII, ground acceleration of 76.8 cm/s2 (2.52 ft/s2) and velocity of 22.9 cm/s (9.0 in/s).[38]
In Bangkok, high-rise buildings swayed which was attributed tolong-period ground motion generated by the earthquake propagating beneath the city. In some buildings with 60 floors, the swaying was most extreme with movement as large as 1.6 m (5 ft 3 in) and the shaking lasting five minutes.[39]
The number of casualties in Myanmar varies across different sources.Mizzima News reported 5,352 fatalities, 7,108 injuries and 538 missing persons.[40] According to data compiled by theDemocratic Voice of Burma, 4,549 people died and 11,366 more were injured.[41] The military-ledState Administration Council said 3,770 people died, 106 were missing and 5,106 others were injured.[42] Due to censorship and the lack of transparency from many Burmese sources, it is believed that the true death toll is likely far higher.[43] Deaths occurred in the administrative areas of Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Sagaing, Shan, Bago, Magway and Kayin.[41][44] TheUnited Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimated that more than 17 million Burmese were affected across 57 of the 330townships of Myanmar.[45] By 10 April, rescuers said that thousands of unclaimed bodies were likely still trapped beneath collapsed structures, raising concerns of potentialcholera anddengue outbreaks.[46]
Phone and internet infrastructure was disrupted nationwide.[47] Casualty estimates in rural areas remained scarce.[48] More than 120,000 homes were damaged across the country,[49] of which 48,834 collapsed,[8] along with over 1,000 government buildings.[50] The All Myanmar Islamic Religious Organization estimated at least 250 people died when over 50 mosques collapsed duringFriday prayer time.[51] The Spring Revolution Myanmar Muslim Network estimated that 700 Muslim worshippers were killed in Mandalay and Sagaing across at least 60 damaged mosques.[7] The junta put the number of Muslims killed at 500,[52] while the Democratic Voice of Burma estimated that thousands of Muslims may have died across the country, including 1,000 in Mandalay.[53] The junta said that 65,096 houses and buildings, 2,514 schools, 4,317 Buddhist monasterial living quarters, 6,027 pagodas and temples, 350 hospitals and clinics, 170 bridges, 586 dams and 203 sections of theYangon–Mandalay Expressway, the country's main highway, had been damaged or destroyed.[54][55]
According to a May 2025 report from theWorld Bank, structural damage from the earthquake in Myanmar was estimated at approximately US$11 billion, or 14% of Myanmar'sGDP; losses were estimated at $5.47 billion in Mandalay, $2.26 billion in Sagaing, $1.27 billion in Bago, $1.04 billion in Naypyidaw, $401 million in Magway, $241 million in Shan, $121 million inAyeyarwady, $86 million inYangon, $30 million in Kayin, $25 million inMon and $17 million inKayah.[56]
InMandalay Region, 3,325 died and 2,642 were injured across Tada-U, Mattara, Meiktila, Pyawbwe, Yamethin, Thazi, Wundwin, Kyaukse, Singu and Sintgaing townships.[57] A National Unity Government ministry estimated that 17,637 homes were damaged across the region.[58] At least 1,870 people were killed inMandalay District,[41] where half of all buildings were thought to have been severely damaged or destroyed.[59] AtMandalay International Airport, ceilings collapsed and some damage occurred in the basement.[60] Buildings at the campus ofMandalay University collapsed or caught fire with many trapped inside.[61] The Dokhtawaddy Bridge crossing theMyitnge River on theYangon–Mandalay Expressway near Inwa also collapsed with supporting pylons falling down. Some vehicles were reportedly on the bridge at the time of the earthquake and fell into the river, though no casualties were confirmed.[62] In Inwa itself, 75% of the historical structures in the former royal capital were damaged, including pagodas and temples.[63] The earthquake also unearthed a water palace used for royal ceremonies. TheMinistry of Religious Affairs and Culture plans to excavate and preserve the structure.[64]
All 40 mosques in Mandalay were damaged, 10 of which collapsed, resulting in more than 400 deaths.[65] Some mosques affected were over a century old and had not been allowed to be repaired since 1962.[51][66] Several monks were killed and injured when a monastery collapsed in the city.[67][68] Over 600 monks were trapped beneath the collapsed U Hla Thein Temple while they were taking examinations, 80 of whom died.[69]Amarapura also recorded 250 deaths,[41] including 150 from a collapsing mosque.[65] The 12-storey Sky Villacondominium building inAungmyethazan Townshipprogressively collapsed,[70] killing 207 people.[71] Roads in Mandalay were left "in complete darkness" at night, with residents unable to access utilities such as power and running water. Some people reportedly found shelter from the almost 40 °C heat in the shade of trees in lieu of staying indoors for fear of aftershocks.[72] At the collapsedMasoyein Monastery, at least 30 monks died and 50 were injured.[73] At theMandalay Central Prison, 12 civilians and military personnel were killed in building collapses.[74]
InMaha Aungmye Township, a two-story tea shop collapsed, trapping around 70 people. Additionally, a three-story car accessories store also collapsed inPyigyidagun Township, trapping more than 10 employees,[75] and in the same township, a building under construction was razed, killing eight and trapping many others.[76] A massive blaze in Sein Pan neighborhood of Maha Aungmye Township nearly reduced the entire place to the ground.[77] Later assessments revealed more than 800 homes were burnt and 3,000 residents were affected.[78] More than 400 people were killed and 1,000 more were injured inPyawbwe Township, where most buildings were destroyed.[79][80] In the township, a five-storyKanbawza Bank building collapsed, killing all 40 people inside.[81] TheMaha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery was also destroyed.[82]Mandalay Palace and theMahamuni Pagoda also suffered significant structural damage.[83] A dam was also reported to have collapsed in Mandalay, causing flooding, while sections of theMandalay-Yangon highway were damaged.[84] InYamethin, 216 deaths and many missing persons were reported.[41][85][86] More than a dozen children were killed when a 100-year-old school collapsed in the township.[87]
InMeiktila, houses and religious buildings suffered structural collapse.[88] At least 44 deaths and 166 injuries were recorded in the city.[41][89] Search and rescue teams reported 100 fatalities in the village of Bone Oe.[48] InWundwin Township, 65 deaths were reported[41] and at least 30 died inSingu Township when a mine collapsed.[90] Homes and pagodas were also razed inMadaya Township.[88] At least 129 people died inKyaukse Township,[41] including 40 students and nine teachers who died inKyaukse town after a school collapsed.[91][92] At least 209 were also killed inTada-U Township,[41] while 50 deaths were recorded within three villages ofPatheingyi Township.[93]
InSagaing City,Sagaing Region, an estimated 1,000 fatalities were reported[94] and 90% of structures were destroyed.[95] An estimated 40 or 50 Muslim worshippers in the city died across three collapsed mosques.[96] Much of theAva Bridge[97] and the city's fire station also collapsed, hampering relief efforts and trapping many.[98] Out of the five mosques in Sagaing, four collapsed due to the earthquake.[66] The Min Street Mosque is feared to have collapsed with over 100 people inside. Several monastic schools and a nunnery in the city were also damaged, likely killing people in the hundreds and trapping over 900 monks across four schools.[99] Historic temples inresistance-heldChaung-U Township, southwest Sagaing Region were damaged by the earthquake.[100] InMingun, 20 people were killed by a collapsing military bunker and the nearbyHsinbyume Pagoda was also largely destroyed.[101] Many deaths were also reported inShwebo, Wetlet, Yinmabin, Kani and Pale townships;[57] Shwebo recorded four fatalities.[41]
Across theNaypyidaw Union Territory, 665 deaths were officially confirmed,[102] although thousands more were believed dead.[103] InZabuthiri Township, 204 deaths were reported; a number of the people killed were civil servants who died when their apartments collapsed in several complexes.[104][105] In many of these housing complexes, the ground floor collapsed, killing their inhabitants.[105] Offices of the rescue,information,home affairs,labour,foreign affairs,defense, andagriculture and irrigation ministries were also severely damaged and 20 bodies were found among the ruins.[105] Numerous military buildings collapsed, killing 100 soldiers.[106] InPyinmana, 245 deaths were reported across the town.[41] Eighty-six bodies were discovered beneath the rubble of several collapsed buildings and monasteries.[107] The air traffic control tower ofNay Pyi Taw International Airport collapsed, killing six people[108] and reportedly leaving no survivors in the aftermath.[109] Roads buckled while ceilings partially collapsed in the city.[110] Several homes and religious shrines were also damaged.[84] Officials at a 1,000-bed hospital said hundreds of injured people arrived,[111] including 20 who died.[61] The roof of that hospital's emergency room had collapsed.[72] Themilitary headquarters,parliament buildings and official housing buildings were heavily damaged;[112] several government buildings collapsed and the permanent secretary of thelabour ministry and several other senior foreign officials died.[61] The Defence Services Museum and theNational Museum in Naypyidaw also sustained damage.[113][110]
At least 167 people were killed in Shan, including 135 inNyaungshwe Township;[41] many were reported in the 19 villages built on the shores ofInle Lake and 2,790 houses were damaged.[114][115] InKayla, a village with more than 1,000 households, at least 75% of it was destroyed and 42 residents died.[116][114] The villages ofZayatgyi andSheywagyi [my] also reported major destruction. A local charity group said many people died from home collapses or electrocution. Fifty-one bodies were taken to a hospital but some could not be recovered as they were trapped underwater.[116] InAungban, 11 people were killed and 25 others were rescued after a six-storey hotel collapsed; six members of the same family were among the dead.[117]
Ruins of a mosque in SagaingDebris of a religious building after the earthquake
In Bago, the death toll stood at 119 and 50 were injured in Taungoo, Pyu, Kyaukkyi, Kyauktaga, Oktwin, Yedashe and Htantabin townships.[57] InTaungoo Township, 40 miners were killed by a collapsing mine.[118] A school collapse in the township killed five children while 14 more were killed by a collapsing mosque.[119] Another school serving as a shelter for displaced people collapsed, trapping more than 20 people.[120] At least 161 people were killed inPyay Township.[80] InPyu, 17 people died,[41] including four members of a family when a wall of their home toppled.[121] A local resident reported one death, 10 injuries and more than 50 damaged houses in the village of Ywa Ma Pai inOktwin Township.[122] One person was also killed inPakokku,Magway.[41]
Two deaths and building damage were reported inKaren National Union-controlled villages inKyaukki andShwegyin townships.[44] InYangon, minor damage occurred, some buildings were tilted and phone lines were downed.[123] Damage in the city was estimated at US$86 million.[56] Power outages occurred, with the electricity supply inYangon being limited to four hours daily.[124] Damage to cultural sites was also reported inRakhine State.[125]
Several foreign nationals were also killed, injured or reported missing following the earthquake in Myanmar. The Chinese embassy said at least six citizens were among the dead while 13 others were injured.[126][127] A French couple travelling in Mandalay were also killed by falling debris.[128] One Taiwanese national was among the victims, killed in the collapse of the Great Wall Hotel in Mandalay.[129] South African officials also reported one of its citizens died.[130] Two Filipino nationals also died, while two others went missing, all of whom were trapped in the Sky Villa condominium in Mandalay.[131] A Japanese national died and two were injured in Mandalay.[132]
A dashcam still of the State Audit Office building in Bangkok collapsing
All 103 fatalities in Thailand occurred in the Bangkok area. Most of the dead were reported inChatuchak district while seven deaths occurred in other parts of the city.[133][134][135] The earthquake was felt in 63 of Thailand's 77 provinces and damage was reported in 18 provinces, mostly in the north and around Bangkok.[37]
Rescue efforts at the collapsed State Audit Office building
A crane operator died and four people were injured when a crane collapsed at a construction site in theBang Pho area,[140] one construction worker was crushed by a falling concrete slab inKhan Na Yao District,[141] and five people died trying to evacuate from tall buildings, including two later in hospital.[135] Three people were injured when an elevator failed,[142] and another crane collapse inDin Daeng injured four and damaged theChaloem Maha Nakhon Expressway's Din Daeng toll plaza, forcing its closure.[135][143] At least 35 were injured around Bangkok and one person was injured inNonthaburi province.[37] Two sudden deaths, possibly from heart attacks, were also reported, in Nonthaburi andSamut Prakan provinces,[144][145] though these have not been officially confirmed to be related to the earthquake.
Deputy Prime MinisterPhumtham Wechayachai described the shaking as unprecedented in Bangkok in the past 100 years.[146] It caused marked swaying in high-rise buildings, triggering widespread panic among occupants, many of whom rushed to exit into the streets. Most buildings were evacuated, and public venues closed down. Allrapid transit lines were suspended, and some roads were closed.[147] Road traffic came to a stand-still, and remained severely congested into the night.[148] After all other rapid transit lines reopened, theMRT Pink Line remained suspended as its power rail was dislocated inMin Buri district, Bangkok.[149]
A skyscraper sways during the earthquake
Many high-rise buildings developed visible damage as a result of the earthquake both inside and outside.Sky bridges connecting three luxury high-rise apartment towers were severed by the tremor, causing debris to fall off while water spilled from the rooftop pools of the buildings, as well as many others.[150] One fire incident was also reported, which was caused by a stove left unattended by fleeing residents.[143] Bangkok governorChadchart Sittipunt stated that theBangkok Metropolitan Administration's reporting platform received over 14,430 reports of building damage,[151] while it planned to inspect 700 structures across the city.[150] He later urged the owners of 11,000 buildings across the capital to assess their property's safety.[152] The interior ministry said that 3,375 government buildings had been affected by the earthquake nationwide, with 221 of them in sustaining moderate damage and 34 others in severe condition.[153] The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration also said 70 schools in the capital sustained slight damage.[154]
Throughout the country, theMinistry of Public Health reported that 63 of its hospitals in 17 provinces were affected by the earthquake, with many temporarily evacuating patients. Several sustained damage, mostly in the form of wall cracks.[155][156]Rajavithi Hospital in Bangkok moved patients out of its 25-storey building, housing them in a sports hall while the main building, which exhibited multiple cracks, awaited inspection.[157] It later transferred 162 patients to other hospitals.[158]
A CCTV still of a rooftop infinity pool collapse sweeping away a crowd of people inYunnan Province, China
InYunnan, China, the earthquake was strongly felt across the province. Two people were injured in the border city ofRuili,[164][165] while nine others were rescued after being trapped in an elevator.[166] In Ruili, sections of brick and walls on a high rise building collapsed.[167] At least 847 homes were damaged in the city, affecting 2,840 people.[168] InLongchuan andLianghe counties, two walls and an abandoned house collapsed and several schools and three homes were damaged.[167] Other provinces includingGuizhou,Guangxi andSichuan also felt the tremors.[169]
Tremors were felt in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam,[170] and inVientiane, Laos, causing people to evacuate buildings.[171] In Ho Chi Minh City, 400 apartments were damaged, and inDistrict 8, one person died from shock during evacuation.[172]
In India, shaking was experienced in the Delhi-National Capital Region.[173][174] Tremors were also felt in Kolkata andImphal,[175] and in the states of Tripura, Mizoram and Meghalya.[176] InBasirhat, residents reported the shaking of natural water bodies.[177] The Bengali newspaper agencyAajkaal reported that residents of Basirhat felt the earthquake for as long as 30 minutes, as water bodies shook for a similar duration.[178] Tremors were also felt in parts ofAssam includingGuwahati.[179]
The USGSPrompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response (PAGER) service estimated a 40% probability of economic losses exceeding US$100 billion and a 35% probability of economic losses between US$10 billion and US$100 billion; upper estimates of economic losses exceed Myanmar'sGDP of $64.2 billion.[185] The service also estimated a 44% probability of deaths exceeding 100,000 and a 34% probability of deaths between 10,000 and 100,000.[19] The Thai Hotels Association said that it expected international tourist arrivals to decrease by at least 10–15% in the two weeks following the earthquake, adding that 10% of foreign tourists had checked out following the earthquake.[186] Tourism ministerSorawong Thienthong noted that there had been over 1,000 hotel room bookings in the two days following the earthquake, while there was a shift in destination preferences from Bangkok to other places such asPattaya.[187]
Jet fightersen route for an aerial bombing campaign againstDanu People's Liberation Army positions during the earthquake dropped bombs at 12:55 MMT inNawnghkio Township causing further damage to affected villages and killing seven soldiers.[100][188] From 28 March to 5 April, military airstrikes killed at least 68 civilians and members of rebel forces.[189] The airbase inMonywa continued operations against resistance-heldChaung-U Township, deploying a paradrop attack at 19:00 MMT on the day of the earthquake.[100] The following day, the junta resumed aerial bombardment on territories held by resistance forces in Karen, northern Shan, Bago and Sagaing regions.[190] ThePeople's Defence Force, a rebel force, said they would observe a partialceasefire for two weeks beginning on 30 March.[191] Despite this, the junta conducted a bombing campaign inPauk Township, Sagaing Region.[192] An airstrike inSingu Township, Mandalay, on 31 March injured several residents and burnt down their homes.[193] The junta also continued bombing campaigns inRakhine State, destroying parts of the hospital inArakan Army-controlledPonnagyun on 28 March with Arakan Army continuingoffensive operations inKyaukphyu Township.[194][195]
TheThree Brotherhood Alliance similarly announced a partial ceasefire on 1 April.[196] Junta leaderMin Aung Hlaing announced that evening onMyawaddy TV that he would continue military operations against the PDF and anti-junta EAOs; he claimed that they were preparing for future attacks.[197]
On 2 April, troops from the regime fired warning shots at nine trucks carrying Chinese relief items inNawnghkio Township, Shan.[198] That same day, the regime announced a 20-day ceasefire, but dozens of attacks were reported since then.[199] Since 13 April, the regime has conducted at least 72 airstrikes and killed more than 100 across Sagaing, Magway, Bago, Mandalay, Karenni, Shan, Chin, Ayeyarwady, Kachin, Karen, Mon, and Rakhine.[200] The ceasefire breach was condemned by the United Nations, which also demanded for the release ofAung San Suu Kyi who was detained by the regime.[201]
In a statement by theUnited Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on 1 April, shelter, clean water and medicine were running low in Myanmar. Additionally, due to the lack of clean water, the United Nations warned about the possibility of a cholera outbreak. TheWorld Health Organization said that many hospitals in the region were also running beyond their intended capacity. Damaged roads and bridges also hampered rescue missions. OCHA added that it took their team 13 hours to reach Mandalay from Yangon instead of the typical eight-hour travel time.[202] In many parts of Myanmar, the first responders were volunteer groups who, without special equipment, tried to pull survivors from the rubble.[203]
Although the military regime appealed for international aid, several human rights organisations said there is selective allocation of assistance. Some affected regions such as Sagaing and Shan were receiving less aid whereas most resources were directed at Mandalay and Naypyidaw. Some groups said the regime may be falsely claiming logistical challenges to rationalise restricting aid in resistance-controlled areas.Amnesty International also shared a similar statement.[204] United Nations rapporter Tom Andrews said there were many reports of the military preventing aid and workers from accessing some areas.[205]
Many residents inMandalay slept in the streets during the first night after the earthquake due to persistent aftershocks.[206] Due to limited equipment and emergency specialists, the city's residents conducted their own rescue activities.[207] On 29 March, rescuers were still working to retrieve at least 90 people trapped in one of the condominiums that collapsed. According to a Red Cross member, nine bodies and 44 survivors were pulled from the wreckage.[208] TheMandalay General Hospital reached its capacity and dozens of injured patients received treatment outside the building.[209] Fires also spread through Thannauk, Sein Pan and Maha Aungthan West wards with the latter being entirely reduced to ashes, according to Mandalay residents. Roads closures and fuel shortages in Mandalay continued to hinder rescue efforts.[99] By 31 March, the Myanmar Fire Services Department said it rescued 403 people and recovered 259 bodies in the city.[210] While most residents left their apartments, reports emerged of lootings at night in some parts of the city.[211] More than 40 injured inmates at the Mandalay Central Prison were denied treatment at main hospitals despite their pleas.[212]
InSagaing, a resident said many bodies were buried in mass graves but due to the lack of space, others were sent to nearby Mandalay for cremation. Even so, there was a lack of cremators to accommodate the overwhelming number of dead which began to decompose in the days after the earthquake.[213] Officials were short on body bags, food and dress.[214] Rescue efforts in the city were minimal, in part due to a collapsed fire station trapping emergency personnel and lack of safe bridge access from Mandalay.[98] Many bodies remained buried beneath the rubble while much of the city was abandoned. Residents also reported a strong stench emanating from residential areas due to unrecovered bodies.[215] As the Muslim cemetery in Sagaing had been closed due to fighting between the military and rebels, the remains of Muslim fatalities were transported to Mandalay for burial.[52]
In Naypyidaw, many people were buried beneath collapsed structures.[216] The junta leader initially did not disclose the extent of damage in the capital but later said the scale was "massive". The city morgue was overwhelmed by the number of bodies and the lack of power meant they were rotting. Decomposing bodies were also found along the road outside the facility.[217] Workers of the junta regime continued to work in the open lawn beside the ruins of their ministry buildings. The National Disaster Management Committee office was severely damaged thus workers held meetings at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief, and Resettlement. Although the regime sent teams to the collapsed housing complex areas, they did not assist in rescue.[218] The regime announced in April that they would revise the city's urban planning and new office buildings would be earthquake-resistant.[219]
Nearly a week after the earthquake, rescue efforts were still ongoing in Taungoo, Bago. A resident said there was no international assistance so residents carried out rescue efforts themselves while a social worker said their equipment were inadequate.[220] Telecommunication services inYangon were disabled from the time of the earthquake until past 22:00 MMT. Electricity was only available intermittently, and in townships further afield not available at all.[221] InPathein, Ayeyarwady Region, the earthquake knocked out electrical services and disabled the generators used for water pumping for several days.[222] By 7 April, the rescue teams from several countries left Myanmar after completing rescue efforts and few teams remained in Naypyidaw.[223] In Sagaing city, rescue works ended on 6 April as clean-up and restoration was underway.[224]
In Bangkok, trading on theStock Exchange of Thailand was suspended.[225] The finance ministry did not report any major losses on the economy, fiscal infrastructure or financial system.[226]
Thai Air Traffic Control issued a nationwide no-fly order for all airports,[227] while train services between Bangkok and north and northeastern Thailand were also suspended.[228] Services on theBTS Skytrain and "long-distance" routes were resumed by the evening of 28 March.[226] TheMRT Blue Line andPurple Line resumed operations on the morning of 29 March, followed by theYellow Line on 30 March.[229][230] ThePink Line partially reopened on 31 March;Min Buri station remained closed until 16 April due to a dislocated power rail.[231][232] Inspectors were deployed across Bangkok to check the safety of buildings.[150]
On 29 March, rescuers said at least 15 people were found alive but trapped within the rubble of the State Audit Office building site in Chatuchak district.[233] Many of the workers trapped were believed to be migrants from Myanmar. Rescuers used drones, sniffer dogs and cranes to carry out their operations. The family members of those trapped also visited the site of the collapse.[234]
On 31 March, a mb 4.2 aftershock caused additional buildings to collapse inMandalay.[235][236] By 5 April, power outages continued to affect the vast majority of residents in Yangon, Mandalay and Naypyidaw.[237] On 13 April, a Mw 5.3 aftershock collapsed a dam inTatkon Township,[238] and an apartment building in Mandalay.[239] More buildings collapsed in Mandalay due to heavy rains on 10 May.[240] On 17 May, a Mw 5.2 aftershock nearMyittha caused a tree to fall onto a temporary tent inMaha Aungmye Township, killing a father and his son.[241]
TheState Administration Council junta (SAC) declared a state of emergency in six regions, including Sagaing, Mandalay,Bago,Magway,Shan State, and Naypyidaw, following the earthquake. SAC ChairmanMin Aung Hlaing visited a hospital in Naypyidaw to assess the treatment of the injured. The junta also requested international humanitarian aid to assist with the aftermath of the disaster.[242][243] GeneralZaw Min Tun said many hospitals in Mandalay, Naypyidaw, and Sagaing received a large number of injured patients and needed blood donors.[244] In Sagaing city, junta soldiers conducted security checks and prevented unpermitted rescue operations from being carried out.[245] Military checkpoints also hampered efforts to bury bodies as they blocked off the Islamic cemetery in the city.[246] Emergency response teams fromAyeyarwady Region andYangon were dispatched to Naypyidaw to help with search and rescue efforts.[247] Reporters in Mandalay described rescue operations as slow with a shortage of personnel. Many collapsed buildings remain unsearched and few survivors have been found in searched buildings.[248]
TheNational Unity Government of Myanmar (NUG) met to coordinate emergency immediate relief efforts and called for international aid.[249] US$1million was allocated for emergency rescue with PDF forces deployed to aid affected resistance-controlled regions in Sagaing, Mandalay and Magway Regions. The government offered assistance in bring aid into their territories if the junta would guarantee the safety of medical personnel.[250] The day after the earthquake, the NUG announced a two-week pause on offensives to coordinate humanitarian efforts with the UN and non-governmental groups.[251] Despite this, the military continued airstrikes against rebel-held villages, prompting condemnation fromUnited Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar Tom Andrews.[252] Min Aung Hlaing announced on 1 April that he would continue military operations against rebels.[253] That same day, theThree Brotherhood Alliance announced a month-long ceasefire to facilitate relief efforts, followed on 2 April by the junta, which said it would observe a ceasefire until 22 April.[254] However, the following day, the junta conducted an aerial bombing campaign inIndaw, Sagaing Region and continued shelling inBhamo, Kachin State,[255] which occurred despite a ceasefire declared on 2 April by theKachin Independence Army.[256]
On 31 March 2025, the junta declared a period ofnational mourning that would last until 6 April 2025.[257] A minute of silence was held at 12:51:02 MMT, the exact time the earthquake occurred, on 1 April.[258] The junta also said thatThingyan celebrations scheduled in April were to be observed without singing, dancing, or festive entertainment.[259] On 5 April, Min Aung Hlaing announced that 10 million kyats would be given for every person killed in the earthquake.[260]
On 19 April 2025, Min Aung Hlaing announced a redrawing of Naypyidaw's layout due to damage caused by the earthquake, while the offices of theforeign andlabour ministries were transferred to the previous capital, Yangon.[261]
Some local aid groups were involved in distributing living tents among survivors.[262] The junta was also accused of stockpiling aid meant for immediate distribution.ABC News said they received photos of relief supplies with the ASEAN logo at a warehouse in Naypyidaw and an anonymous claim that there were still unused nearly a month after the earthquake. A National Unity Government representative suspected that many aid from ASEAN did not reach the worse-affected areas which were controlled by the junta, and urged ASEAN to investigate the matter.[263]
Prime MinisterPaetongtarn Shinawatra cut short her attendance at a tourism conference inPhuket to return to Bangkok[264] and held an emergency meeting on the disaster.[110] She later visited thecollapsed State Audit Office building site in Chatuchak[265] and ordered the formation of a committee of experts to investigate the collapse within a week.[266] She also announced that theroyal family would place those injured by the earthquake under its patronage.[267] TheMinistry of Labour announced that it would provide up to two million baht in compensation for relatives of those who died in the State Audit Office building collapse and cover the treatment of those injured.[268] At a meeting with Min Aung Hlaing on the sidelines of the SixthBIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on 4 April, Paetongtarn offered the use ofDon Mueang Airport to transport international aid heading for Myanmar.[269]
Governor of BangkokChadchart Sittipunt declared a level 2 disaster area for the city,[270] which was lifted on 31 March.[271] He also orderedLumphini,Benchasiri,Benjakitti andChatuchak Parks to remain open overnight on 28 March to accommodate stranded and displaced people.[228] Around 400 people took shelter in city parks overnight.[272] TheMinistry of Transport deployed additional public buses,[273] while the management ofSuvarnabhumi Airport implemented a temporary shuttle bus service to mitigate a shortage of taxis traveling to and from the airport.[274] TheMinistry of Education ordered a nationwide closure of schools.[275] Mental health hotlines maintained by theMinistry of Health expanded its hotline services and received at least 1,598 following the earthquake.[276]Pathum Thani andPhrae provinces were also declared as emergency disaster assistance zones.[277] Criticism arose in Thailand over a delay in the dissemination of SMS warnings regarding the earthquake.[278]
On 30 March, Interior MinisterAnutin Charnvirakul said an investigation into the audit office building collapse was to be completed within a week. Anutin also added that Chinese disaster specialists would assist in the enquiry.[279] The Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand, a government watchdog, found substandard steelrebars after gathering debris samples and performing an initial test.[207]On 31 March 2025, reports of cracks and tremors prompted the evacuation of multiple buildings across Bangkok. While initially reported by some outlets as being due to aftershocks,[280] the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation confirmed that the aftershocks on 31 March were too weak to affect Thailand. Authorities later dismissed the scare as a false alarm, with city engineers stating that the reported cracks were not new and had appeared since 28 March.[281][282] The Ministry of Health also warned against what it called "earthquake drunk" syndrome, a condition attributed to disruptions to balance that resulted in people having swaying or moving feelings following an earthquake.[283]
On 31 March, a minute of silence was held in theSenate of Thailand for the victims of the earthquake.[284]
Various countries pledged support in the form of humanitarian aid. Myanmar accepted aid from India and theAHA Centre while theUnited Nations and its Central Emergency Response Fund providedUS$93 andUS$5 million, respectively.[285][226]TheInternational Charter Space and Major Disasters was activated by the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) on behalf of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) at 10:21 UTC on 28 March, thus providing for widespread humanitariansatellite coverage.[286] TheInternational Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies launched an emergency appeal on 30 March for more thanUS$100 million to help earthquake victims.[287] The World Health Organization announced a dispatch of 60 tonnes of critical medical supplies, including mobile medical tents, surgical kits and medicines.[288]
TheEuropean Union (EU) provided a total of€2.5 million in initial emergency assistance to Myanmar,[289] along with a humanitarian airlift operation to convey 80 tons of emergency supplies to Mandalay, with a first flight from Copenhagen, Denmark bringing tents, health, water, child protection kits and sanitation kits to theUnited Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and distributed by EU partners.[290][291] TheAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) deployed the ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ASEAN-ERAT) to conduct rapid needs assessment in affected areas with theassociation member states responding individually with search and rescue operations, the deployment of relief teams with assessment experts, humanitarian assistance support such as food and medical supplies, financial aid, logistics, and equipment.[292]
Monetary donation through theInternational Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Australia Assists activated a rapid response team and anotherA$3.5 million allocated to NGOs and their local partners for food, water, sanitation, emergency health and education. AnotherA$500 thousand for the Emergency Action Alliance, and anotherA$3 million for emergency relief supplies for the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management.[293][294]
Funds for emergency medical services and the supply of shelter, food and other essential items. Allocated to multiple organisations;CA$4 million to theCanadian Red Cross to support theInternational Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Societies,CA$2 million to theWorld Food Programme,CA$2 million million to OCHA to support the Myanmar Humanitarian Fund and up toCA$1.75 million to the Humanitarian Coalition and its members through the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund.[301]
InitialUS$13.77 million for supplies including tents, blankets, medical kits, sustenance and other items.[302] Thirty-seven members of asearch and rescue team from Yunnan, China, arrived in Yangon. The team, along with over 100 rescue equipment, travelled to Naypyidaw to participate in rescue missions.[303] On 30 March, China sent 17 trucks loaded with shelter and medical supplies to Mandalay.[304] Beijing pledged anotherUS$137 million in food, medicine, prefabricated homes, medical expenses, epidemic prevention and hazard evaluation groups on 10 April.[305]
Sent a group of 51 search-and-rescue personnel and two rescue dogs. The team also carried nine tons of life detecting devices and automatic satellite tracking antenna system among other critical items.[304]
Operation Brahma: theIndian Air Force carried 15 tonnes of relief material containing essential shelter and medical supplies to Myanmar.[309][310] India also established a field hospital in Mandalay with a capacity of 200 patients. The staff treated more than 100 patients and performed two critical surgeries within the first day.[311]
Twelve tonnes of humanitarian relief and 39 military personnel were flown to Naypyidaw to assist medical needs, construct shelters and search for the missing.[312] The National Alms Agency sent 100 generators, 50 tents, 10,000sarongs, and 5,000 packages of women and children essentials.[313] A search and rescue team consisting of 53 personnel was also dispatched by Indonesia.[314] Three batches of humanitarian aid were delivered on 31 March, 1 April, and 3 April.[315]
A search and rescue team, led by Colonel Yossi Pinto, assisted local authorities in Thailand.[317] The Israeli embassy sent a scanning device that was used to search for survivors at the State Audit Office building,[135] whileIsraAid deployed an emergency team.[318]
Italy allocated€3.3 million for emergency aid to Myanmar, providing support to the IFRC, Italian civil society organisations and NGOs. Italian Chamber of Deputies MinisterEdmondo Cirielli approved an emergency contribution of€2 million to the IFRC with additional€1.3 million to various Italian civil society organisations for the crisis respond.[319]
Funds for humanitarian aid to assist with ongoing relief and recovery efforts and prepared medical teams and health sector assistance for deployment to Myanmar.[339] TheTemple of the Tooth announced LKR15 million in financial aid to Myanmar.[340]
UAE President SheikhMohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan directed a search and rescue team that made up of members ofAbu Dhabi Police, the UAE National Guard and Joint Operations Command to help earthquake survivors in Myanmar.[348]
United States PresidentDonald Trump said the country will be sending aid to Myanmar, despite recent cuts on foreign aid.[350] Theembassy pledged up toUS$2 million through local organizations.[351] A team of three was sent to Myanmar for recovery efforts but they experienced difficulties with visa processing.[352] While in Myanmar, they were informed of their job terminations which would occur in several months as part of the Trump administration's efforts to reduce foreign aid. According to Marcia Wong, a former USAID deputy administrator, these workers were sleeping in the open street.[353] On 4 April, the United States pledged anotherUS$7 million in shelter, food and water.[354] In Thailand, theUS Indo-Pacific Command deployed personnel to assist in rescue operations at the State Audit Office.[355]
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^ab"2025年3月28日缅甸7.9级强震地震应急产品已发布" [The earthquake emergency product for the 7.9-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar on March 28, 2025 has been released] (in Chinese). China Earthquake Networks Center. 31 March 2025. Archived fromthe original on 7 April 2025. Retrieved7 April 2025.
^Hurukawa, Nobuo; Maung, Phyo Maung (2011). "Two seismic gaps on the Sagaing Fault, Myanmar, derived from relocation of historical earthquakes since 1918".Geophysical Research Letters.38 (L01310).Bibcode:2011GeoRL..38.1310H.doi:10.1029/2010GL046099.
^Wu, Sheng-Han (2022).Yóu dìbiǎo pòliè yǔ zhèndù jìlù chóngjiàn 1839 miǎndiàn ā wǎ dìzhèn zhī guīmó由地表破裂與震度紀錄重建1839緬甸阿瓦地震之規模 [Re-estimating the magnitude of 1839 Ava earthquake through geomorphic mapping and macroseismic records, central Myanmar] (Masters thesis). Department of Geosciences, College of Sciences, National Taiwan University.doi:10.6342/ntu202203906.
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