A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar at around 2:20 PM Taiwan time on March 28, with the epicenter located approximately 16 km northwest of Sagaing.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake as one of the most intense globally since 2023, followed by a significant 6.4 aftershock.
The shallow depth of just 10 km amplified the tremors, which were felt across several neighboring countries including Thailand, Vietnam, India, and China’s Yunnan Province.
In a stunning development, a high-rise under construction in Bangkok collapsed due to the seismic waves—despite the city being 700 kilometers from the epicenter.
Footage shared on social media showed the building, located near the popular Chatuchak area, crumbling to the ground in a cloud of dust as panicked bystanders fled the scene.
Bangkok police confirmed the collapse but said details regarding casualties or trapped workers remain unclear.
Emergency response teams have been dispatched, and rescue operations are underway.
Residents in Bangkok reported strong shaking, with many evacuating buildings in fear.
High-rise structures swayed visibly, and tremors caused dramatic water sloshing from rooftop pools.
Subway and skytrain services were temporarily halted.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra cut short her official visit to Phuket to convene an emergency meeting in response to the situation.
The earthquake's wide reach also caused noticeable shaking in Chiang Mai, Ho Chi Minh City, Delhi, and parts of Bangladesh.
China’s Earthquake Networks Center measured the quake at magnitude 7.9 and confirmed notable tremors in Yunnan, though no significant damage was reported.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency confirmed that the quake would not trigger a tsunami.
Due to Myanmar's aging infrastructure and limited medical resources, there are growing concerns that the aftermath may worsen.
The Thai government has launched building safety inspections and urged citizens to remain vigilant for aftershocks.
As rescue and damage assessment efforts continue, more information is expected to emerge in the coming days.