BANGKOK – A massive earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, March 28, killing more than 140 people and causing widespread destruction. The tremors toppled buildings, damaged infrastructure, and even led to the collapse of a skyscraper under construction in neighboring Thailand. The worst-hit area was Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, which is near the epicenter of the 7.7-magnitude quake. The initial tremor, followed by a powerful aftershock and several smaller ones, left the city in ruins. A rescue worker from Amarapura, a historic township of Mandalay, reported retrieving 30 bodies from collapsed buildings.

"Our town looks like a fallen city," he said, estimating that around 20% of the structures had been destroyed. He added that they were receiving distress calls from people trapped under debris but lacked the resources to conduct large-scale rescues. Myanmar’s military leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, acknowledged that casualties were expected to rise and invited international assistance for relief efforts.

Global Response and Humanitarian Aid: Speaking from the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump assured that his administration would provide aid. Despite plans to cut funding to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that USAID disaster teams were prepared to assist with essentials like food and clean water.

In Bangkok, at least nine people lost their lives, and rescuers continued searching for survivors in the rubble of a collapsed tower. Mandalay, home to about 1.5 million residents, also saw significant damage to its Buddhist monasteries. Rescue teams were working to free monks trapped beneath the rubble of the Phaya Taung Monastery. State media reported that at least 144 people had died, and over 730 others were injured.

Challenges in Rescue Operations: The earthquake struck Myanmar amid an ongoing internal conflict, further complicating relief efforts. A Mandalay resident described watching a five-story building crumble before their eyes, adding that the entire city was now in panic, with people afraid to return indoors. In Pyinmana, near the capital Naypyidaw, a charity rescue worker reported recovering at least 60 bodies from collapsed monasteries and buildings. The quake also caused extensive damage to Naypyidaw’s 1,000-bed hospital and cracked major roads, according to state media.

The United Nations has mobilized efforts in Southeast Asia to assist affected communities, while Myanmar’s opposition National Unity Government stated that its People’s Defence Forces would provide humanitarian aid. A U.S. assessment indicated that the disaster could result in thousands of fatalities and significant economic damage, with Sagaing and Meiktila regions among the hardest hit.

Infrastructure Damage and Growing Concerns: State media confirmed that the earthquake led to the collapse of buildings in five towns and cities, as well as bridges on the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway. Images depicted the Ava Bridge over the Irrawaddy River severely damaged, with sections leaning into the water. A Mandalay resident reported that destruction was widespread, with some neighborhoods, including Sein Pan, engulfed in flames. The quake also disrupted phone networks, cut electricity, and severely damaged roads.

In Taungoo, three people lost their lives when a mosque partially collapsed. Witnesses recounted the moment the tremors struck during prayers, leaving worshippers scrambling for safety. Local media reported that a hotel in Aung Ban, Shan State, collapsed, with at least two fatalities and 20 people trapped under debris.

A Disaster Amid Crisis: Amnesty International highlighted that the earthquake hit at a particularly difficult time for Myanmar, as millions are already displaced due to ongoing conflict and the military junta's mismanagement. Joe Freeman, a researcher on Myanmar, noted that restricted media access meant the full extent of the damage might take time to surface.

Since the 2021 military coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s government, Myanmar has struggled to function, with a collapsing economy and failing public services. Armed resistance groups have taken control of large areas, further limiting the junta’s ability to manage disasters. More than three million people in Myanmar are currently displaced, with food insecurity worsening and a third of the population in need of humanitarian aid, according to the United Nations. Myanmar frequently experiences earthquakes due to its location on a major tectonic boundary. However, the isolated military government has struggled to respond effectively to past natural disasters.

Panic in Thailand: In Bangkok, the earthquake triggered mass panic, with residents rushing onto the streets. Hotel guests in bathrobes and swimwear were seen fleeing as water poured down from an elevated pool in a luxury hotel. Among the nine confirmed casualties in the Thai capital, eight died in the building collapse, while one perished elsewhere. Bangkok’s Deputy Governor Tavida Kamolvej stated that more than 100 people were still missing, with rescue efforts ongoing.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.