(Image source from: Channelnewsasia.com.https://tinyurl.com/3n5fyhez)
Bridges and buildings have crumbled, skyscrapers tremble as water flows from infinity pools plummeting several hundred feet, and terrified crowds flood the streets. These dramatic scenes unfolded after a significant 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, sending shockwaves through northern Bangkok and southwestern China. The quake hit just 18 kilometers from Sagaing at 12:50 PM on Friday. According to reports, at least 20 fatalities have been confirmed in Myanmar, where a hospital comprising 1,000 beds has turned into a site for mass casualties, as stated by the AFP news agency. Minor tremors were also felt in Kolkata, Bengal, parts of Manipur, as well as in Dhaka and Chattogram in Bangladesh, reported PTI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his assistance. Almost immediately, videos and images began circulating on X, depicting the aftermath in Bangkok, where a state of emergency has been instituted, as well as in Myanmar. One alarming clip showed a skyscraper under construction completely collapsing. It is estimated that 43 individuals might be unaccounted for due to this incident.
#WATCH | Thailand | An earthquake of 7.7 magnitude on the Richter scale hit 16 km NNW of Sagaing of Myanmar today, as per the USGS; tremors felt in Bangkok too.
— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2025
Visuals from Thailand where buildings have been evacuated, cracks seen on floors of the buildings; distressed people… pic.twitter.com/1gX4mWdgBJ
Another video captured water cascading over the edge of a skyscraper’s infinity pool, while a different one illustrated chandeliers swaying violently in the conference room of Bangkok’s Athenee Hotel. From Myanmar emerged footage of a two-story residential building in Mandalay partially caving in, precariously supported by the adjacent wall. Reports also mention the failure of an aged bridge spanning the Irrawaddy River. A group of AFP reporters were present at the National Museum in Naypyidaw when the tremor hit, causing walls to crack and debris to fall from the ceilings. Staff members, some visibly distressed, rushed outside, attempting to reach out to family members.
Although tremors occur relatively frequently in Myanmar, this region has experienced six significant earthquakes of 7.0 magnitude or greater from 1930 to 1956 along the Sagaing Fault, which stretches north-south across the country. A formidable 6.8-magnitude earthquake in 2016 in the historic city of Bagan resulted in three deaths and caused structural damage to spires and temple walls, affecting this popular tourist site. The country, struggling with poverty, faces challenges within its medical infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.
