On Friday, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, centered near Sagaing, followed by a 6.4 magnitude quake 12 minutes later. The air traffic control tower at Naypyidaw airport collapsed, killing all staff inside. In Pegu’s Taunggu, a Buddhist monastery crumbled, claiming five lives, including children. Myanmar’s junta declared an emergency in six regions—Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, Bago, Eastern Shan, and Naypyidaw. Local media report widespread damage and deaths in Naypyidaw, though exact figures remain unclear due to disrupted communication and ongoing conflict.

In Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, an emergency was declared after a multi-story building under construction collapsed, leaving 43 people missing. Several other structures were also damaged. The USGS recorded the first quake at a 10 km depth, 12 km from Sagaing. Buildings fell in Mandalay and Naypyidaw, worsening the crisis amid Myanmar’s fragile infrastructure.

7.7 magnitude earthquake hits Southeast Asia, mainly impacting Myanmar and Thailand.

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— Pop Base (@PopBase) March 28, 2025

The Taunggu monastery, a shelter for displaced people, couldn’t withstand the quake’s force, leading to casualties. Locals say many remain trapped under rubble, with rescue efforts underway. The death toll is expected to rise. The quake struck at 12:20 pm local time, and disrupted systems have hampered information gathering.