A devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar (formerly Burma) on Friday, claiming at least 1,644 lives and leaving 3,408 people injured, according to reports from the ruling junta.
- A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Birmanie, causing significant destruction and loss of life, with at least 1,644 people killed and 3,408 injured, according to the ruling junta.
- The earthquake, followed by a 6.7 magnitude aftershock, has left many people trapped under debris, with rescue efforts ongoing, and the extent of the disaster is still difficult to evaluate due to damaged communication lines.
- The disaster has led to an appeal for international aid by the junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, with several countries pledging support, and a temporary ceasefire declared by the Popular Defense Forces to facilitate rescue operations.
The earthquake, followed by a 6.7 magnitude aftershock, caused widespread chaos and destruction, with the region of Mandalay being the most affected. The disaster’s full extent is still unclear due to damaged communication lines, and the death toll is expected to rise. In Thailand, the quake caused panic in Bangkok, and a building under construction collapsed, trapping dozens of workers.
The military junta in Myanmar has issued a rare call for international aid, and several countries, including China, India, and the United States, have pledged support. The United Nations has warned of a severe shortage of medical supplies, further complicating rescue efforts. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Red Cross are working to provide medical aid and rescue survivors. The People’s Defense Forces (PDF) in Myanmar have declared a partial ceasefire to facilitate rescue operations. In Thailand, rescue efforts continue, with at least 30 people showing signs of life under the debris of the collapsed building.
Following the significant earthquake that struck on March 28, 2025, with a magnitude of 7.7 centered in Myanmar and causing widespread effects in Thailand, the Thai government and authorities implemented several measures to address the aftermath. Here’s an overview of the key actions taken based on available information up to March 30, 2025:
- Emergency Declaration and Mobilization:
- Bangkok was declared a disaster zone after the quake caused significant damage, including the collapse of a 33-story building under construction near Chatuchak Market. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra ordered a nationwide mobilization to manage the crisis, cutting short her visit to Phuket to return to Bangkok and oversee the response.
- The government designated emergency zones in affected areas, particularly in Bangkok, to coordinate rescue and recovery efforts efficiently.
- Search and Rescue Operations:
- Rescue teams, including military personnel, were deployed to search for survivors trapped under rubble, especially at the collapsed construction site in Bangkok. As of March 29, dozens of workers remained missing, with efforts ongoing to detect signs of life using drones, sniffer dogs, and heavy machinery.
- In Bangkok, at least 15 signs of life were detected beneath the debris, prompting round-the-clock rescue operations.
- Medical and Humanitarian Support:
- Military hospitals were activated alongside regular hospitals to treat the influx of injured patients. The Ministry of Public Health placed medical facilities and emergency services on standby to handle casualties.
- Blood donations were urgently requested to support the injured, reflecting the high demand for medical resources in both Thailand and Myanmar.
- Infrastructure Safety Assessments:
- Authorities advised residents of two damaged buildings in Bangkok (in Chatuchak and Phra Khanong districts) to evacuate while structural inspections were conducted.
- The BTS Skytrain and MRT systems in Bangkok were temporarily shut down for safety checks, with services expected to resume after assessments were completed. Extra bus services were provided to accommodate commuters during this period.
- Public Safety and Communication:
- Prime Minister Shinawatra reassured the public that the damage was largely limited to buildings under construction and that aftershocks were expected to weaken. She advised residents to avoid using elevators in high-rise buildings and to seek open spaces as a precaution.
- Nationwide SMS alerts and public broadcasts were issued to keep the population informed, with 24-hour updates provided through National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT).
- Transportation Monitoring:
- The Ministry of Transport monitored travel infrastructure, with Suvarnabhumi Airport briefly suspending flight operations for 20 minutes as a precaution before resuming services.
- Damaged roads and transport links, particularly in Bangkok, were assessed to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.
- Preparedness for Aftershocks:
- Experts warned of potential aftershocks within 24 hours, prompting the government to maintain heightened alertness. The public was urged to stay informed and follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities.
These measures reflect Thailand’s efforts to manage the immediate impacts of the earthquake, prioritizing rescue operations, public safety, and infrastructure stability. As the situation evolves, further actions may be taken based on damage assessments and the needs of affected communities.
