Death toll rises as aftershocks shake Myanmar and Thailand in wake of devastating earthquake

Rescue efforts continue in Myanmar and Thailand as the death toll climbs in the aftermath of the massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck on March 28, 2025. The seismic event, one of the most powerful recorded in the region’s history, has caused widespread devastation, with thousands of casualties, extensive infrastructure damage, and ongoing aftershocks complicating relief operations.

In Myanmar, the number of fatalities has surpassed 1,600, with more than 3,400 people injured. Many remain trapped under the rubble, particularly in Mandalay and surrounding regions. The United States Geological Survey has warned that the final death toll could exceed 10,000, a grim projection based on predictive modeling that considers the extent of structural damage and Myanmar’s limited disaster response capacity.

Thailand has also suffered significant casualties, with Bangkok authorities confirming that 17 people have died, 32 are injured, and at least 83 individuals remain missing. The most severe impact has been felt at the site of a 30-story under-construction high-rise, which collapsed as the earthquake struck. Rescue teams have been working against time to locate survivors, deploying K-9 units and heavy machinery to clear debris.

How Have Aftershocks Affected the Situation?

The initial earthquake was followed by a powerful 6.7-magnitude aftershock, further destabilizing already compromised structures. In Mandalay, the tremors caused additional buildings to collapse, leaving thousands displaced and many more too fearful to return to their homes. Bridges have crumbled, roads have buckled, and communication lines have been severely disrupted, making coordination of rescue efforts challenging.

Geologists warn that more aftershocks could occur in the coming days, raising concerns about secondary disasters such as landslides and further structural collapses. Myanmar’s infrastructure, particularly in older urban centers, was not built to withstand such seismic activity, exacerbating the scale of destruction.

What Challenges Are Hampering Rescue and Relief Efforts?

Efforts to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble have been met with significant obstacles. Myanmar’s military-led government has historically been reluctant to accept international aid following natural disasters, raising concerns over the efficiency of relief operations. However, in a rare move, Junta Chief Min Aung Hlaing has publicly appealed for international assistance, signaling the severity of the crisis. State-run media have called for all military and civilian hospitals to work in a coordinated manner to address the overwhelming need for medical care.

Despite this appeal, logistical challenges persist. Key roads leading to Mandalay and the surrounding affected areas are either impassable or heavily congested with rescue vehicles. Power outages have further complicated emergency operations, and the country’s ongoing civil conflict has heightened tensions in some regions, making it difficult for relief workers to reach the worst-hit areas.

In Bangkok, rescue operations have been relatively more organized, with Thailand’s emergency response teams leveraging their extensive experience in handling natural disasters. However, the collapsed high-rise has presented a complex challenge, as shifting debris continues to pose a risk to those working at the site. As the critical 72-hour window for locating survivors closes, the chances of finding people alive diminish.

What Has Been the International Response?

International aid has begun to arrive, with rescue teams from China, India, and Malaysia deployed to assist in both countries. Emergency supplies, including medical aid, food, and blankets, have been delivered to the affected regions, though Myanmar’s restrictive political climate has raised concerns about the equitable distribution of relief materials.

The United Nations has pledged financial support for recovery efforts, allocating an initial $5 million in emergency funding. Humanitarian organizations are calling for greater access to affected communities, warning that without swift intervention, the crisis could escalate further.

What Are the Historical and Geological Factors Behind This Earthquake?

Myanmar lies along the highly active Sagaing Fault, a tectonic boundary similar in nature to California‘s San Andreas Fault. The fault line has been responsible for numerous major earthquakes in the past, including the destructive 1930 Bago earthquake and the 1946 Sagaing earthquake.

Seismologists note that the recent 7.7-magnitude quake was caused by a sudden slip along the fault line, releasing a massive amount of energy at a shallow depth. Shallow earthquakes, in particular, tend to be more destructive, as their energy is concentrated closer to the surface.

Thailand, although not directly on a major fault line, has experienced the effects of past regional earthquakes. However, Bangkok’s modern skyline and rapid urbanization over recent decades have raised concerns about whether the city’s infrastructure is adequately prepared to withstand major seismic events. The collapse of the high-rise under construction has intensified scrutiny on building safety regulations, with experts calling for stricter enforcement of earthquake-resistant design standards.

What Are the Long-Term Implications of This Disaster?

Beyond the immediate tragedy, the earthquake is expected to have long-term economic and social consequences. The affected regions in Myanmar are vital to the country’s economy, housing key manufacturing and agricultural hubs. The destruction of infrastructure, combined with the existing political instability, may further cripple economic recovery efforts.

For Thailand, the disaster has brought renewed attention to the risks associated with high-density urban construction. Investigations into the collapsed Bangkok high-rise are already underway, with authorities examining whether the building met required safety standards. The disaster may prompt new regulations aimed at ensuring better preparedness for future seismic events.

The broader humanitarian impact is also significant. With thousands displaced and entire communities destroyed, rebuilding efforts will require extensive resources and international collaboration. As relief agencies work to provide immediate assistance, the long-term challenge remains ensuring that affected populations receive adequate support for recovery and reconstruction.

How Are Communities Coping with the Aftermath?

Amid the devastation, stories of resilience have emerged. In Bangkok, a woman gave birth on the street after being evacuated from a hospital during the earthquake, with medical staff assisting in the emergency delivery despite ongoing tremors. In Mandalay, volunteers have mobilized to provide food and shelter to those displaced, with monasteries and religious institutions opening their doors to affected families.

The psychological impact of the disaster is expected to be profound, particularly for survivors who have lost loved ones or their homes. Mental health professionals are calling for trauma support services to be included in recovery efforts, emphasizing the long-term emotional toll such catastrophes can have on affected populations.

As Myanmar and Thailand grapple with the aftermath of one of the most devastating earthquakes in recent history, the focus remains on saving lives, providing urgent aid, and beginning the long process of rebuilding shattered communities. While the full extent of the destruction is still unfolding, the resilience and solidarity of those affected will play a critical role in shaping the recovery ahead.