Yangon: Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.7 and 6.4 in magnitude, struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, at around 12:50 PM local time. The epicenter was near Sagaing, just 16 km northwest of the town.
The quake had a depth of 10 km and was felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand. Tremors caused panic as buildings swayed, and swimming pools overflowed.
In Myanmar’s Mandalay, the historic Ava Bridge collapsed into the Irrawaddy River. Several buildings also crumbled due to the intense shaking.
Myanmar’s Earthquake Risk
Myanmar is highly prone to earthquakes due to the Sagaing Fault, a major tectonic boundary between the Indian Plate and the Burma microplate. This fault stretches 1,200 km through the country and has a history of strong quakes.
The fault moves between 11 mm to 18 mm per year, building up stress that eventually triggers earthquakes.
History of Deadly Quakes
The Sagaing Fault has caused major earthquakes before, including:
1946: A 7.7-magnitude earthquake
2012: A 6.8-magnitude earthquake
Experts warn that this fault remains highly active, making Myanmar vulnerable to future disasters.
Ongoing Assessment
No casualties have been reported so far, but authorities are assessing the damage. Scientists stress the need for better preparedness to protect communities in this earthquake-prone region.
