On March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, with its epicenter near Mandalay. According to state media reports on March 29, the disaster has resulted in 1,644 confirmed deaths, 3,408 injuries, and 139 missing persons. Among the fatalities was a 75-year-old Chin woman in Naypyitaw. The U.S. Geological Survey warns that the final death toll could exceed 10,000.

The earthquake, the most severe to hit Myanmar in over a century, caused widespread destruction across six regions: Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, northeastern Shan State, Naypyitaw, and Bago. In response, the ruling junta has declared a state of emergency, but relief efforts have been hampered by logistical challenges, ongoing internal conflicts, and fuel shortages.

More than 80 historic structures, including pagodas, Buddhist temples, monasteries, and mosques, were reduced to rubble in Mandalay, Sagaing, Naypyitaw, Bago, and Shan State, according to the civilian-led National Unity Government (NUG).

The ongoing civil war has further complicated the response. A country director for an international NGO operating in Myanmar said to CNN, “Almost 80% of the country is outside of the control (of the military), they’re controlled by the PDF (People’s Defense Force) under the NUG (National Unity Government), so you can’t have a full picture of what is going on.”

In an effort to facilitate humanitarian aid, the NUG declared a partial ceasefire on Saturday. However, NUG Radio reported that Myanmar’s military has continued airstrikes in Sagaing, Bago, and Shan State, despite the crisis.

Dr. Kyi Minn, national director of World Vision Myanmar, warned in a CNN interview that rebuilding the hardest-hit areas could take years. Damage to critical infrastructure, including highways and airports, has severely delayed the deployment of relief teams.

Seismologists caution that strong aftershocks may continue in the coming days, posing additional risks to already weakened structures. Authorities are urging residents to remain in open areas and follow safety guidelines. A Chin pastor in Yangon noted that many people, fearing another earthquake, chose to spend most of the night outside on the streets.

The earthquake has also crippled Myanmar’s communication networks, with major disruptions reported in Mandalay, Sagaing, and Magway. A Chin woman living in California told ICA that she has been unable to contact her husband in Kalay, Sagaing Region, since the quake struck.

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Feature image:

Locals working to rescue trapped residents from Sky Villa Condo in Mandalay’s Aung Myay Tharzan Township. The 11-story apartment building partially collapsed with four floors sinking into the ground, leaving only seven stories visible and trapping many people inside, prompting urgent rescue efforts. (Screen capture from Myanmar Celebrities)