Powerful earthquake in Myanmar: tremors reach Thailand and topple skyscraper
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has caused widespread destruction in the region: a skyscraper collapsed in Bangkok, dozens were injured, and a state of emergency was declared.
Photo: Screenshot from video by PMBreakingNews / x.com
On Friday at 12:50 p.m. local time, a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar.
The epicenter was located 16 kilometers northwest of the city of Sagaing, and the focus was 10 kilometers deep.
Two minutes later, a 6.8-magnitude aftershock followed with the same hypocenter. This was the strongest earthquake in the world in 2025.
The tremors were felt not only in Myanmar but also in neighboring countries: India, Bangladesh, and especially Thailand.
In Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, panic broke out — buildings swayed, and people were urgently evacuated from skyscrapers.
According to France24, a 30-story building under construction collapsed in the city.
At the time of the tragedy, workers were inside: at least two people were killed, more than 50 injured, and one person remains missing.
ด่วน!! ตึกที่จตุจักรถล่ม #แผ่นดินไหว #กรุงเทพมหานคร pic.twitter.com/muLZCvWYIr
— นี่แมวเองงงง (@nongmeaw33) March 28, 2025
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt reported multiple damages to high-rise buildings. In response, city authorities declared a state of natural disaster.
Despite the destruction, the capital’s airports continue to operate as usual.
Meanwhile, in Myanmar itself, dozens of buildings were destroyed, including a historic 90-year-old bridge over the Irrawaddy River near Sagaing, according to RMF24.
Local media report at least 20 fatalities. The military junta has declared a state of emergency in the country.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra promptly responded to the tragedy. Upon receiving the news of the earthquake during an inspection in Phuket Province, she immediately cut short the event and convened an emergency meeting.
Subsequently, Shinawatra declared Bangkok a disaster zone and instructed all services to act in coordination to assist the victims.
Thai authorities warned of possible aftershocks. The Meteorological Department reported a risk of tremors within the next 24 hours and advised the public to stay away from tall buildings.
For safety reasons, flights at several airports in the country have been temporarily suspended.