Over 140 killed in Myanmar due to powerful earthquake, death toll may rise
Photo: Myanmar earthquake results (x.com/UNICEF)
Due to a powerful earthquake in Myanmar, more than 140 people have died, and hundreds have been injured. Experts and local authorities predict that the consequences of the disaster could be even worse, according to Reuters.
Significant destruction from the 7.7-magnitude earthquake, which occurred on March 28, affected Mandalay, the second-largest city in Myanmar, located near the epicenter of the tremors and several aftershocks.
A rescue worker in Mandalay stated that the bodies of 30 people were pulled from collapsed multi-story residential buildings. He added that about one-fifth of the buildings were destroyed.
MASSIVE ground rupture/crack has appeared in Myittha, Mandalay Region, following the powerful M7.7 earthquake in Myanmar pic.twitter.com/vFlPet0XPH
— Volcaholic (@volcaholic1) March 28, 2025
Mandalay, with a population of about 1.5 million, is the ancient royal capital of Myanmar and a center of its Buddhist culture. An emergency services worker in Amarapura reported that rescuers were trying to reach dozens of monks trapped under the rubble at the Phaya Taung monastery.
Residents and media reported that buildings, bridges, and roads had been destroyed.
Myanmar earthquake results (x.com/UNICEF)
As reported by the state-run MRTV television, at least 144 people have died in Myanmar, and 732 others have been injured.
Myanmar's military junta leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, stated that the number of deaths and casualties is likely to rise. He called on "any country" to offer assistance.
Western media note that, since the junta is engaged in a conflict with insurgents, this could complicate the rescue and aid operation.
Meanwhile, it is worth noting that the spokesperson for the opposition National Unity Government of Myanmar, Zin Mar Aung, announced that anti-junta fighters, known as the People's Defense Forces, will provide humanitarian aid.
Devastation across the city of Mandalay in Myanmar, as a result of today’s 7.7 magnitude earthquake, with dozens of buildings having collapsed as well as the Ava Bridge over the Irrawaddy River. pic.twitter.com/8YE8KsxXws
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 28, 2025
A rescuer from the charity organization Moe Saydanar informed Reuters that at least 60 bodies have been recovered from monasteries and buildings in Pyinmana, near Myanmar's capital Naypyidaw, but many people are still trapped.
State media in Myanmar reported that the earthquake caused buildings to collapse in five cities and towns, as well as railway and road bridges on the Yangon-Mandalay expressway.
A resident of Mandalay told Western journalists that the destruction covered the entire city, and one area, Sein Pan, was on fire. Local media reported that a hotel in Aung Ban collapsed into ruins, and the Democratic Voice of Burma reported that two people were killed, and 20 others were trapped.
Myanmar earthquake results (x.com/UNICEF)
In the capital of neighboring Thailand, Bangkok, an official spokesperson stated that at least nine people were killed due to the earthquake. Rescue teams were working to clear the rubble of a collapsed high-rise building.
A powerful earthquake centered in Myanmar struck South Asia, killing several people and causing extensive damage, with rescuers in Bangkok searching for 81 people in the rubble of a collapsed building. @ReutersGraphics maps the quake: https://t.co/JWgCzSQpG3 pic.twitter.com/gORjoF03A0
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 28, 2025
Trump to provide aid to Myanmar through USAiD
During a speech at the White House on Friday, US President Donald Trump stated that he had spoken with officials in Myanmar and assured that his administration would provide assistance.
Despite attempts by the Trump administration to close the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and cut nearly all remaining jobs, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that USAID experts were ready to help, particularly with food and drinking water.
"USAID has a disaster response team capable of responding when disaster strikes. We are ready to move now. This has not affected our ability to carry out these duties, to respond to these requests for help, when and if they come," she said during a press briefing.
UN response, US gorecast, and Amnesty International's assessment
UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that the Organization is mobilizing Southeast Asia to assist those in need.
According to the US government’s analysis, based on the strength and depth of the earthquake, thousands of casualties are possible, and significant economic losses are forecasted, with the regions of Sagaing and Meiktila being the hardest hit.
Amnesty International noted that the earthquake occurred at the worst possible time for Myanmar, given the large number of displaced people, the existing need for aid, and the reduction of US assistance under the Trump administration.
As reported earlier, a powerful earthquake in Myanmar, which destroyed entire neighborhoods, led local authorities to declare a state of emergency.
Just a few days ago, on March 5, a powerful earthquake measuring 6.7 magnitude struck New Zealand, which was felt by over 4,700 people.
