Yangon: A devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar’s Mandalay region on Friday, followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock, leaving 1,644 people dead, 3,408 injured, and 139 missing, according to the State Administration Council’s Information Team.
The epicentre, located just 20 km from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city with a population of 1.5 million, caused widespread devastation. In response, the National Disaster Management Committee declared a state of emergency across Sagaing, Mandalay, and Magway regions, northeastern Shan State, Nay Pyi Taw, and Bago Region.
Rescue operations are in full swing, with international relief efforts mobilizing to aid the affected population. Public hospitals in Sagaing, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw have issued urgent appeals for blood donations as they grapple with the influx of injured patients. Reports indicate that many people remain trapped under collapsed buildings, further complicating rescue efforts.
The earthquake triggered a major power supply failure, disrupting mobile networks in parts of Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city. Several key roads between Mandalay and Yangon were severely damaged or blocked, while airports in Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw were temporarily shut down, leading to canceled flights.
Shocking photos and videos shared on social media reveal significant destruction to temples, historical sites, and landmarks in the Mandalay region, including the Mandalay Palace and Mahamuni Pagoda.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), this is the strongest earthquake recorded globally in 2025. The tremors were felt across multiple countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and southwest China.
In Thailand, authorities reported 10 deaths, 42 injuries, and 78 missing persons in Bangkok. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared a state of emergency in the capital as northern provinces such as Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son suffered infrastructure damage. Several tourist attractions in Pai District of Mae Hong Son collapsed due to the quake.
India has stepped up as a first responder, swiftly deploying rescue teams and humanitarian aid to assist in evacuation efforts and provide relief to the displaced communities. The Indian government’s timely intervention is expected to play a crucial role in Myanmar’s ongoing relief and recovery operations.