Earthquake in Myanmar: Panic in Thailand and Tremors Felt as Far as China

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, March 28, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake occurred 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing, at a depth of 10 kilometers, around 2:20 PM local time (07:20 AM Paris time).

The tremor caused scenes of panic in Bangkok, Thailand, where many residents rushed out of buildings. “I heard a loud noise while I was sleeping and ran as far as I could in my pajamas,” testified Duangjai, a resident of Chiang Mai, a major city in northern Thailand. In Bangkok, offices and shops were evacuated, and some metro services were suspended as a precaution.

In Naypyidaw, Myanmar’s capital, the seismic shock caused significant damage, including cracked roads, collapsed ceilings, and weakened buildings. In Thailand, a 30-story building under construction collapsed, trapping at least 43 workers under the rubble, according to police sources cited by AFP.

Tremors Felt as Far as China

The impact of the earthquake was not limited to Myanmar. In China, the Yunnan province also experienced tremors, which the Chinese Seismological Agency recorded at magnitude 7.9. In response to the disaster, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced an emergency meeting to coordinate rescue efforts and assess the damage.

Rescue teams have been mobilized in all three affected countries, but the full extent of the damage and casualties remains uncertain.

A High-Risk Seismic Zone

Myanmar is located on the Sagaing Fault, which runs from north to south through the country, making it highly prone to earthquakes. Between 1930 and 1956, six earthquakes of magnitude 7 or higher struck the region. More recently, in 2016, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake shook the ancient capital of Bagan, damaging numerous historic temples.

Experts have long warned about Myanmar’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Poor infrastructure, unregulated urban development, and weak emergency services increase the risk of human casualties in the event of a major earthquake.

As rescue operations continue, authorities remain on high alert for potential aftershocks that could further impact the region.