Massive Earthquake Hits Myanmar and Thailand: Buildings Collapse, Ava Bridge Falls

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, causing widespread destruction across Southeast Asia. The quake's epicenter was near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, leading to significant damage in the region. Tremors were felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand, approximately 640 miles away, where a high-rise building under construction collapsed, resulting in at least two fatalities and trapping numerous workers.

In Myanmar, the historic 91-year-old Ava Bridge, also known as the Old Sagaing Bridge, which spanned the Irrawaddy River between Mandalay and Sagaing regions, collapsed during the earthquake. The quake also caused the destruction of several buildings in Mandalay and Naypyitaw, including a mosque in Taungoo and a hotel in Aung Ban, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries.

The Myanmar military government declared a state of emergency in six regions, including the capital Naypyitaw and Mandalay, due to the severe damage. In Bangkok, authorities established an earthquake response command center and urged the public to avoid high-rise buildings. Rescue operations are underway in both countries to assist those trapped and injured. The earthquake also affected parts of southwestern China, causing damage and injuries in Yunnan and Sichuan provinces.

Videos capturing the destruction have surfaced online, including footage of the skyscraper collapse in Bangkok and the fall of the Ava Bridge in Myanmar. These visuals highlight the earthquake's devastating impact on the region.