A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, sending tremors across the region and shaking buildings as far as Bangkok, Thailand. The midday quake, which hit around 1:30 p.m. local time, caused panic among residents in high-rise buildings and led to mass evacuations in Thailand’s capital.
Myanmar’s Capital Suffers Structural Damage
The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of Monywa in central Myanmar, at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), according to reports from the U.S. Geological Survey and Germany’s GFZ center for geosciences. The shallow nature of the quake amplified its impact, leading to cracked roads and damaged buildings in Myanmar’s capital, Naypyidaw.
Photos emerging from the affected areas showed deep fissures in roads, while authorities in Myanmar scrambled to assess the full extent of the damage. However, with Myanmar currently embroiled in a civil war, immediate reports on casualties or destruction remain scarce.
Bangkok Residents Flee as Tremors Shake the City
In Bangkok, home to more than 17 million people, the force of the earthquake was strong enough to set off alarms and send water sloshing out of swimming pools atop high-rise buildings. Many residents, startled by the tremors, rushed out of apartments, condominiums, and office buildings, gathering in the streets for safety.
Eyewitnesses reported feeling the ground sway for several seconds, a rare and unnerving experience in the Thai capital. Videos circulated on social media showed crowds of people standing outside hotels and office complexes, some shielding themselves from the scorching midday sun while awaiting updates on whether it was safe to return indoors.]
No Immediate Reports of Casualties
Despite the widespread panic, there were no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties in Thailand. Emergency response teams remained on high alert, monitoring for potential aftershocks that could further impact the region.
Experts note that while earthquakes of this magnitude are more common in Myanmar, the tremors reaching Bangkok highlight the seismic risks faced by the city’s densely populated urban landscape. Structural engineers and authorities will likely conduct inspections in the coming days to ensure buildings remain safe for occupancy.
Regional Seismic Activity and Future Risks
Myanmar is situated in a seismically active region due to the movement of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The country has experienced devastating earthquakes in the past, including a 6.8 magnitude quake in 2016 that damaged historical sites in Bagan.
While Bangkok is not typically prone to earthquakes, the city’s skyscrapers and high-rise infrastructure can amplify tremors from distant quakes. The latest event serves as a reminder of the need for continued seismic preparedness in Thailand and neighboring regions.
Authorities in both Myanmar and Thailand are continuing to assess the situation, with experts warning that aftershocks could follow in the coming days. Residents are advised to remain cautious and prepared for any further seismic activity.
As more information emerges, officials will provide updates on any potential damage or casualties, particularly in Myanmar’s central region, where the full impact remains uncertain.
