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Trump Says US Will Help Myanmar After Earthquake Kills 144

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Trump Says US Will Help Myanmar After Earthquake Kills 144

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President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will help Myanmar after it was devasted by an earthquake on Friday that left 144 dead and hundreds more injured.

"We're going to be helping," Trump said from the Oval Office today. "It's terrible what's happening. We've already spoken with the country."

Trump's announcement came after the leader of Myanmar's ruling military junta, Min Aung Hlaing, made a rare call for international aid.

What to Know:

  • A powerful 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread devastation
  • The death toll has reached 144, including 18 in Sikkai and 30 in Yangdam.
  • Tremors were felt in Thailand and China, impacting millions across the region.
  • A high-rise building collapsed in Bangkok, leaving at least three dead and 90 unaccounted for.
  • Myanmar's military declared a state of emergency after reports of widespread damage and casualties.

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China sends sympathies, offers emergency humanitarian assistance to Myanmar

China has offered to send emergency humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, a foreign ministry spokesperson told China Daily on Friday.

"We hope and believe that the government and people of Myanmar will overcome difficulties and rebuild their home at an early date," the spokesperson said.

So far, no Chinese national casualties have been reported.

The spokesperson said that China stands ready to provide emergency humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the earthquake-stricken region.

"The people of China and Myanmar enjoy a profound 'pauk-phaw' (fraternal) friendship. We feel for the people of Myanmar over the disaster," the spokesperson said.

Bangkok sets up temporary shelters for displaced residents

Bangkok has opened up five public parks and six temporary shelters for the hundreds of residents who have been evacuated or lost their homes in the power earthquake that struck Friday.

Police and city officials are reportedly being deployed to the areas to maintain safety, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said.

Bangkok buildings evacuated over structural concerns from earthquake damage

Bangkok residents in two building have been told to evacuate over structural concerns after a 6.4-magnitude earthquake.

The decision follows the collapse of another Bangkok high rise, which has killed at least eight with more than a hundred left trapped under the rubble.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said in a statement that it has ordered the evacuation of the two buildings, one in the city's Chatuchak district, and the other Phra Khanong district, which will be inspected for structural damage.

Authorities have received around 1,000 reports of "structural concerns" since the quake. At least three of those have been classified as high risk so far.

Putin sends condolences, rescue teams to earthquake-stricken Myanmar

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a team of doctors and members of the Airmobile Rescue Team to Myanmar in the wake of the earthquake.

"Based on orders from the Russian president and emergencies minister, a group of Russian rescuers has departed to Myanmar on two planes from Zhukovsky Airport outside Moscow to help address the aftermath of a powerful earthquake," a spokesperson told Russian news agency Tass.

The task force includes K-9 teams, anesthesiologists and psychologists from the Emergencies Ministry, as well as 120 rescuers from the Tsentrospas airmobile squad and the Leader Center for High-Risk Rescue Operations, the spokesperson said.

Putin also sent his condolences to Myanmar's military leader Min Aung Hlaing.

Myanmar rescue chief warns it could be weeks before true scale of destruction is clear

International Rescue Committee's Myanmar director warned it could be weeks s before true scale of destruction is clear in the wake of the earthquake.

Mohamed Riyas said however the impact is likely to be severe as "damage to infrastructure and homes, loss of life, and injuries sustained by communities affected should not be underestimated," CNN reports.

The military's grip over the country's communications, which they regularly cut in conflict zones, makes it difficult to share or receive reliable information.

India sends 15 ton aid package to Myanmar

India has become one of the first countries to dispatch aid to Myanmar after the devastating earthquake that killed more than 140 people.

Nearly 15 tons of relief material were delivered, including tents, blankets, water purifiers, solar lamps, generator sets and medicines.

Medecins Sans Frontieres faces challenges in Myanmar after earthquake

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) is working to mobilize teams to assist areas in Myanmar impacted by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake, but challenging conditions are hindering efforts. Federica Franco, MSF's head of mission in Myanmar, explained that significant communication blackouts in the hardest-hit areas are complicating operations, a consequence of the ongoing civil conflict in the country.

Franco noted that key roads, including the highway to Mandalay, the earthquake's epicenter, have been damaged, and some airports are closed. Despite these obstacles, MSF is prioritizing the deployment of an emergency care team to provide vital medical assistance.

Bangkok woman describes terrifying moments during Myanmar earthquake

Bella Pawita Sunthornpong, a resident of Bangkok, was on the 33rd floor of her apartment building when a powerful earthquake struck neighboring Myanmar. Initially, she mistook the swaying for lightheadedness, but soon realized it was an earthquake when the lamp from the ceiling began swinging, per her interview with CNN.

Pawita Sunthornpong grabbed her phone and ran down from the 33rd floor, urging others to do the same. As she descended, ceiling paint fell and the building continued to sway. "I just need to keep running until I hit the ground," she recalled.

In Bangkok, hundreds of miles from the epicenter, a construction site collapsed, killing several people. When Pawita Sunthornpong reached safety, she noted the fear and confusion around her, with people wondering if her building would collapse next. Many of her friends now fear returning to their apartments, with cracks visible everywhere.

Myanmar earthquake the strongest in over 100 years

The 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday is the most powerful the country has experienced in more than a century.

This earthquake surpassed previous major tremors in the region, causing widespread damage, particularly in the capital Naypyidaw, and prompting urgent rescue efforts.

The quake's intensity is being compared to other significant seismic events in Southeast Asia.

Hundreds injured in Myanmar earthquake, hospital overwhelmed

Hundreds of injured individuals have been arriving at a major hospital in Naypyidaw, Myanmar's military-built capital after a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the country on Friday. The hospital's emergency department entrance collapsed, and the vicinity turned into a "mass casualty area," with patients being treated outside.

Doctors have described the scenes as unlike anything they've ever witnessed, with one physician saying he was exhausted from the overwhelming situation. Myanmar's ruling military junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, identified Naypyidaw, along with Mandalay and Sagaing, as some of the worst-hit areas and called for international assistance.

Trump's pledge to help comes as U.S. State Department formally notifies Congress it is shuttering USAID

The U.S. State Department formally notified Congress it is effectively shuttering the US Agency for International Development (USAID) on Friday.

The State Department reportedly intends to assume "responsibility for many of USAID's functions and its ongoing programming."

Trump announces US will help Myanmar

President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will help Myanmar after it was devasted by an earthquake on Friday that left more than 140 dead and hundreds were injured.

"We're going to be helping," Trump said from the Oval Office today. "It's terrible what's happening. We've already spoken with the country."

Trump's announcement came after the leader of Myanmar's ruling military junta, Min Aung Hlaing, made a rare call for international aid.

Footage shows aftermath of deadly mosque collapse during earthquake

Footage from local media shows the devastating aftermath of a collapsed mosque in Mandalay.

Rescue teams were seen amid the rubble of the Shwe Pho Shein Mosque after it fell during today's powerful earthquake.

Witness at the scene reported multiple casualties, according to local media.

Myanmar military junta declares state of emergency

The Myanmar military junta has declared a state of emergency in six regions after Friday's devastating earthquake, Al Jazeera reports.

US Embassy in Myanmar suspends most services after earthquake

The U.S. Embassy in Myanmar has suspend all its non-emergency services after the deadly earthquake on Friday.

In a post on X, the U.S. Embassy Burma, which refers to Myanmar by its older name Burman, it said, "In order to respond to the earthquake that affected Burma (Myanmar) on March 28 and better assist American citizens: We are suspending non-emergency consular services, including visa services, while continuing American Citizen Cervices.

"The American Center Yangon and Jefferson Center Mandalay are closed to the public. "

Hundreds of injured arrive at earthquake-damaged hospital in Myanmar's capital

Hundreds of injured people have been arriving at a major hospital in Myanmar's capital of Naypyidaw.

The area around the hospital has been turned into a "mass casualty area" with many patients being treated outside, AFP reports.

The hospital had also been damaged in the earthquake, with its emergency department entrance collapsing onto a car.

Exhausted medical staff told the French news agency they had never experienced anything like it.

"We are trying to handle the situation," one doctor told AFP. "I'm so exhausted now."

Eight dead in Bangkok building collapse after Myanmar quake

At least eight people died after a building collapsed in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday following a powerful earthquake in neighboring Myanmar, according to Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

Rescue teams are still working to free 110 people trapped under the rubble, with 12 people rescued so far. Anutin said special techniques are being used to prevent further collapses.

The collapsed building, located near Chatuchak Park, was under construction when the lower columns failed. Inspections of nearby buildings have found no immediate dangers.

Thousands may need aid after Myanmar earthquake, IRC warns

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) warned that the impact of the earthquake in Myanmar could be severe, with possibly thousands of displaced people in urgent need of shelter, food, and medical aid.

"We fear it may be weeks before we understand the full extent of destruction caused by this earthquake, as communication network lines are down and transport is disrupted," said Mohammed Riyas, IRC's regional director.

Riyas added that the IRC and its partners are assessing the situation and preparing to launch an emergency response. He confirmed that search and rescue operations are underway.

Strike-slip fault triggers powerful earthquake in Myanmar

A strike-slip fault, where two tectonic plates move side by side, caused the powerful earthquake in Myanmar, which was felt across the region, according to CNN meteorologist Derek Van Dam. The shifting of the Indian and Eurasia plates led to violent shaking at the surface, impacting millions.

Van Dam noted that nearly 90 million people experienced at least light shaking, with many enduring severe tremors. He also warned that aftershocks are expected, and the search and recovery effort will likely continue for days or even weeks.

Survivor of the collapsed building in Bangkok describes harrowing escape from rubble

A construction worker who was in the Bangkok high rise when it collapsed, has described his harrowing escape from rubble.

Sunan Kenkiat, 31, was working on the building's fire sprinkler system when the earthquake hit on Friday. More than 80 people are still believed to be under the rubble, according to the Thai government.

Kenkiat told CNN he felt the building begin to shake and rock, making him dizzy.

"After that, debris like cement pieces started falling down, and the shaking got stronger, so I shouted for everyone to run."

He heard three loud "booms" before the room was suddenly filled with white dust.

"After the boom, I couldn't see anything. I was just running to find a way out," Kenkiat said. "I started looking for my coworkers. Things got chaotic, and people were starting to leave."

When he finally got outside, rescue teams were able to help him wipe off some of the dust as he struggled to breathe.

At least three members of his construction team were still inside.

Pope Francis offers prayers for victims of Myanmar earthquake

Pope Francis, currently recovering from a five-week hospitalization due to life-threatening double pneumonia, has expressed his support for the victims of the recent earthquake in Myanmar.

The Vatican released a statement saying the pope had been informed of the disaster and is praying for those affected by the "dramatic situation" in Myanmar and Thailand.

Death toll in Bangkok rises to 7

The earthquake death toll in Thailand has risen to seven, with many more still missing.

Three people were killed in Bangkok earlier today when a high rise building collapsed in the quake.

That has now risen to at least seven, with many more still missing, according to local authorities.

Myanmar earthquake death toll rises to 144

Myanmar's military leader reported that 144 people have died following a powerful earthquake that struck the country on March 28. In a speech delivered at 8:00 p.m. local time, the leader revealed that 18 people were killed in Sikkai, 30 in Yangdam, and 132 were injured across the country. Additionally, 300 people in Sikkai and 732 in Stone Dam were reported injured.

The military chief urged the public to support earthquake recovery efforts, emphasizing the need for widespread cooperation in the aftermath of the disaster.

At least 144 people have died, 732 have been injured in Myanmar, says military leader

At least 144 people were killed and 732 have been injured in Myanmar after the devastating earthquake on Friday, according to military leader Min Aung Hlaing.

Hlaing told the BBC that he expects that number to rise.

Nearly 100 of the casualties occurred in the capital of Myanmar, Naypyidaw. Another 18 died in Saigaing and 30 in Mandalay.

In Thailand, three people died when a high-rise collapsed earlier today.

WATCH: Terrifying moment a Korean family trapped in a shaking Thailand high-rise

Amnesty International urges Myanmar's military to allow access to aid

Amnesty International has urged Myanmar's ruling military to allow access to humanitarian aid after the devastating earthquake.

"This earthquake could not come at a worse time for Myanmar. More than three million people remain internally displaced from armed conflict that has raged since the 2021 military coup," Joe Freeman, Amnesty International's Myanmar researcher, said in a statement.

Myanmar, which has been run by a military junta since a 2021 coup, has been "ravaged by military air strikes and clashes between resistance groups and the military," Freeman said.

"Myanmar's military has a longstanding practice of denying aid to areas where groups who resist it are active. It must immediately allow unimpeded access to all humanitarian organizations and remove administrative barriers delaying needs assessments."

Myanmar military junta struggles amid civil war and economic turmoil

Since seizing power four years ago, Myanmar's military junta has been increasingly weakened, leading some analysts to predict its potential collapse, similar to the rebel overthrow of Syria's government. While the junta has maintained control of about 20% of the territory, mostly urban areas, the ongoing civil war has left nearly 20 million people without adequate food, shelter, or security, as reported by the United Nations humanitarian aid agency.

Despite widespread anger over Myanmar's faltering economy and high levels of defections, the junta has retained power with support from countries like China, India, Russia, and Thailand. Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the junta leader, has faced accusations of crimes against humanity and continues to persecute ethnic minorities, particularly the Rohingya Muslims, who are subjected to violence the U.S. has labeled genocide.

International responses have varied, with the U.S. taking a largely passive stance, while China and other countries continue to supply the junta with military aid and financial support. China sees the junta as the only force capable of maintaining Myanmar's unity, although it has been hesitant to fully endorse the coup. Recently, Min Aung Hlaing announced plans to hold "dignified" elections in December and has expressed willingness to cooperate with international aid following extensive damage from a powerful earthquake.

Tourist describes 'screaming and a lot of panic' as earthquake hit a Bangkok mall

A Scottish tourist has described the terrifying moment that the earthquake hit while he was in a Bangkok mall.

"All of a sudden the whole building began to move. Immediately there was screaming and a lot of panic," said Fraser Morton told AP.

"I just started walking calmly at first but then the building started really moving, yeah, a lot of screaming, a lot of panic, people running the wrong way down the escalators."

Morton was among the thousands of locals and tourists that fled into Benjasiri Park from nearby shopping malls, high rises and apartment buildings during the quake.

CARE's statement in response to the Myanmar earthquake

CARE Myanmar shared a statement with Newsweek about this morning's events regarding the earthquake.

Arif Noor, CARE Myanmar's Country Director, stated: "All CARE staff in Myanmar are safe, but the earthquake has caused damage in Mandalay and nearby areas. This powerful quake struck a country already in crisis, with 19.9 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. The response remains significantly underfunded, and this disaster has worsened an already fragile situation. CARE and our partners are urgently assessing the damage and preparing to support affected communities."

Promboon Panitchpakdi, CARE Thailand's Executive Director, commented: "In Bangkok, this is the first time we experienced such a strong impact from an earthquake, and it is deeply concerning, especially for densely populated urban areas. We felt the tremors clearly, and all office staff evacuated immediately. The government has declared a state of emergency, with inspections underway for structural risks in high-rise buildings. Some damage has also been reported to the expressway, and communication systems in Bangkok are disrupted. We are closely monitoring the situation and ready to provide support if needed."

Myanmar hospital overwhelmed as powerful earthquake causes mass casualties

A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, leaving the city of Naypyidaw in chaos as rows of wounded victims lay outside the emergency department of the country's largest hospital. Many were covered in dust and blood, while others sat in shock, writhing in pain.

A steady stream of casualties continued to arrive at the hospital, some transported in cars and pickups, others carried on stretchers. The tremors caused significant damage to roads, tearing apart tarmac and buckling infrastructure.

"This is a mass casualty area," said a hospital official, urging journalists to leave the treatment zone. The hospital, with 1,000 beds, also suffered severe damage, with parts of its emergency department collapsing and a car being crushed by fallen concrete.

WHO wants to send trauma supplies to support Myanmar

The World Health Organization (WHO) is exploring options to send trauma supplies from its logistic hubs to support Myanmar.

This move comes in response to the recent earthquake that has caused widespread damage in the country.

Earthquake in Myanmar causes building collapses and flood risk in Mandalay

A powerful earthquake in Myanmar has reportedly caused multiple buildings to collapse in Mandalay, including the Ma Soe Yane monastery. A video circulating online captured the moment the multistory structure crumbled, with robed monks filming the scene from the street. The extent of casualties remains unclear.

Christian Aid reported that a dam in Mandalay burst, leading to rising water levels in nearby lowland areas, and posing additional risks to residents. The Red Cross also noted the challenge of downed power lines, hampering efforts by emergency teams to access the hardest-hit zones. Efforts to assess the damage and provide aid are ongoing.

Myanmar junta seeks international aid following deadly earthquake - Recap

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread damage, particularly in areas controlled by the military junta that took power in a 2021 coup. Naypyidaw, the junta's capital, and Mandalay, the country's second-largest city, were among the hardest-hit regions, with at least 20 deaths reported. Rescue teams are continuing their search for survivors, and the death toll is expected to rise.

Areas controlled by rebel forces appear to have been less affected, although reports from more remote locations may take longer to surface. Historically, during natural disasters like Cyclone Mocha in 2023, the junta has been criticized for restricting the flow of international aid to areas under opposition control. However, this time, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has called for international assistance and declared a state of emergency in six affected regions, signaling a possible shift in response strategies.

WATCH: Bangkok earthquake: Dozens feared trapped as building collapses

Myanmar military calls for international humanitarian aid after earthquake

Myanmar's military spokesman, Gen. Zaw Min Tun, has appealed to the international community for humanitarian assistance in the wake of the recent earthquake. He said, "We need and want the international community to provide humanitarian aid," and assured that the government would cooperate to ensure the best care for victims, per The New York Times.

While the exact number of casualties remains unknown, Gen. Zaw Min Tun emphasized that the government is doing everything possible to support those affected. The junta's request for aid is a significant and rare move, as it has seldom sought international help during previous natural disasters. This appeal suggests that the authorities are bracing for a high death toll.

Earthquake causes widespread damage across Myanmar

A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar, causing significant damage in several regions. In Mandalay, the country's second-largest city and close to the epicenter, parts of the former royal palace and surrounding buildings were damaged, as shown in photos and videos shared on social media. In the Sagaing region, southwest of Mandalay, a 90-year-old bridge collapsed, and portions of the highway linking Mandalay to Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, were also affected.

The capital, Naypyitaw, was not spared, with religious shrines suffering structural damage, including the collapse of some sections.

Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for Myanmar's military government, announced that blood was urgently needed in hospitals across the affected areas, particularly in Mandalay, Sagaing, and Naypyitaw. He called on blood donors to come forward to assist with the ongoing crisis.

People evacuate Bangkok business district after earthquake

People in the Silom business district of Bangkok evacuated office buildings and condominium towers along Rama IV Road and streamed into nearby Lumphini Park. The sidewalks filled with workers in neon green shirts, along with others in hard hats and blue and green uniform shirts.

Along the walkways of the park and the sidewalks of Silom and nearby Sathon, people in business attire and company uniforms huddled or stood in packs talking and checking their phones. Some were visibly distraught, crying or in a state of panic.

Paul Vincent, a tourist visiting from England, was at a streetside bar when the quake struck. "The next thing, everybody came on the street, so there was a lot of screaming and panicking, which obviously made it a lot worse," he said. As he stepped onto the street, he saw a high-rise building swaying, and water falling from a rooftop pool. "When I saw the building, oh my God, that's when it hit me. There were people crying in the streets, and the panic was horrendous."

At least two dead, many missing after building collapse in Bangkok

Emergency responders in Bangkok have confirmed at least two deaths following the collapse of a high-rise building under construction. Rescue worker Songwut Wangpon reported that seven people had been found alive amid the rubble, but many remained trapped.

Thailand's Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai later confirmed three deaths, with 90 others still missing. The collapse of the multi-story structure caused a crane atop the building to topple, sending a large plume of dust into the air. Rescue efforts continue as authorities search for survivors.

Myanmar declares state of emergency in six regions after earthquake

Myanmar's military-run government has declared a state of emergency in six regions following a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake and a strong aftershock. State-run MRTV reported that the declaration covers the capital Naypyitaw, Mandalay, and other affected areas near the epicenter, close to the country's second-largest city.

The earthquake has caused significant damage, but Myanmar's ongoing civil war has made many areas difficult to access. It remains unclear what relief efforts the military will be able to provide as the situation unfolds. Authorities are still assessing the extent of the damage and casualties.

Red Cross teams face challenges reaching quake-hit areas in Myanmar

The Red Cross reported that downed power lines are complicating efforts to reach the hardest-hit areas after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday. Teams are struggling to access Mandalay, Sagaing, and southern Shan state due to damaged infrastructure.

"Initial reports from the ground suggest the earthquake has caused significant damage," the Red Cross said in a statement. "Information on humanitarian needs is still being gathered."

Bangkok: 320 construction workers on site as building collapsed

There have been mixed reports on the number of people involved in the building under construction that collapsed in Bangkok.

But the latest update from Thailand's National Institute of Emergency Medicine says there were around 320 construction workers on site when the earthquake struck.

Of those, 70 are still missing and 20 are "still stuck in the elevator". The number of casualties is not yet confirmed.

The Associated Press is reporting that at least three people have died in the incident.

Bleak picture emerging from Myanmar

There is a growing number of reports from local media in Myanmar of building collapses and casualties.

These include homes, hotels, a kindergarten, a mosque, stores, an air traffic control tower, bridges, and many more affected structures.

The civil war there and restrictions on the media make it hard to get information. But it is clear there is a substantial humanitarian disaster in Myanmar caused by today's earthquakes.

Bangkok tourists share experiences of earthquake

Tourists in Bangkok have shared their experiences of the earthquake that rocked the Thai capital earlier today.

Fraser Morton was in a shopping mall at the time.

"All of a sudden the whole building just began to move," he said. "Immediately there was screaming, there was a lot of panic."

Tremors felt in China

The earthquake was felt in Yunnan and Sichuan provinces in China and caused injuries and damage to houses in the city of Ruili on the border with northern Myanmar, according to Chinese media reports.

Videos that one outlet said it had received from a person in Ruili showed building debris littering a street and a person being wheeled on a stretcher toward an ambulance.

The shaking in Mangshi, a Chinese city about 100 kilometers (60 miles) northeast of Ruili, was so strong that people couldn't stand, one resident told The Paper, an online media outlet.

This reporting came from The Associated Press.

Mosque in Myanmar collapses with worshippers inside

Reports continue to surface of the damage and destruction caused by Friday's powerful earthquakes that hit Myanmar and were felt across southeast Asia.

An old military bridge in Myanmar's Sikkai collapsed and the Sun Land Dam was damaged, local news agency Khit Thit reported. Homes, restaurants, and hotels had also fallen down in the worst-affected areas.

A mosque in Mandalay collapsed with worshippers inside. Ko Sonun, a member of the Al-Khali Center Myanmar, told the country's MizzimaTV what happened.

"We know that there are people who have died, I know that my friend's brother has lost his arms, the exact number of people is not yet known," he said of the collapse.

MizzimaTV posted a video showing the aftermath as people combed through the rubble to find survivors.

Thai officials give updates after Bangkok building collapse

The military in Myanmar declared a state of emergency in six regions, AFP reports. The news agency also said a major hospital in the Myanmar capital Naypyidaw is a "mass casualty area".

In Thailand, the National Institute for Emergency Medicine said 50 people were injured in the Bangkok building collapse.

Forty were taken to the hospital and one other person died. A further eight people are missing, and one is trapped in the rubble, the institute said.

Subsequently, a Bangkok emergency responder said seven people had been rescued and two were now dead after the collapse, AP reported.

Mandalay former royal palace walls collapse

The powerful earthquake struck central Myanmar, causing widespread damage to historic sites, homes, and critical infrastructure across multiple regions. The tremor, measured at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), was reported by both the U.S. Geological Survey and Germany's GFZ Center for Geosciences.

The quake's epicenter was located near Mandalay, the country's second-largest city, where significant structural damage was reported. Videos and images circulated on Facebook showed parts of the former royal palace visibly damaged, alongside numerous buildings throughout the city.

Though central Myanmar lies in a seismically active zone, the region around the epicenter is relatively sparsely populated, with many residents living in single-story or low-rise dwellings. Still, the impact was felt across several areas.

In the Sagaing region, just southwest of Mandalay, a 90-year-old bridge collapsed, and sections of the major highway linking Mandalay and the commercial capital, Yangon, sustained visible damage.

In Yangon, residents fled their homes in panic as tremors shook the city. Authorities have not yet reported any casualties or injuries, though assessments are ongoing.

Meanwhile, in the administrative capital Naypyidaw, the quake damaged religious shrines, toppling sacred structures and affecting nearby homes.

Emergency crews and local officials are continuing to assess the full extent of the destruction.

Myanmar earthquake
Damaged pagodas are seen after an earthquake, Friday, March 28, 2025 in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo

Video shows moment Bangkok tower collapsed

This is the moment a tower under construction in Bangkok collapsed. Thai media reported at least 43 people are trapped under the rubble:

Earthquake turns Bangkok high-rise swimming pools into waterfalls

Residents in Bangkok captured the earthquake turning high-rise swimming pools into waterfalls:

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About the writer

Barney Henderson is Newsweek's Content Editor, based in London, U.K. Barney joined Newsweek from The Times of London, and previously worked for The Daily Telegraph of London for 13 years, and The Hindustan Times in Mumbai, India. He is a graduate of both King's College, London, with an MA in Terrorism, Security & Society, and Nottingham University, with a BA in History. You can get in touch with Barney by emailing b.henderson@newsweek.com.

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Shane Croucher is a Breaking News Editor based in London, UK. He has previously overseen the My Turn, Fact Check and News teams, and was a Senior Reporter before that, mostly covering U.S. news and politics. Shane joined Newsweek in February 2018 from IBT UK where he held various editorial roles covering different beats, including general news, politics, economics, business, and property. He is a graduate of the University of Lincoln, England. Languages: English. You can reach Shane by emailing s.croucher@newsweek.com

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Hannah joined Newsweek in 2024 and previously worked as an assistant editor at The U.S. Sun and as a senior reporter and assistant news editor at The Daily Mail. She is a graduate of the University of Nottingham. You can get in touch with Hannah by emailing h.parry@newsweek.com. Languages: English.


Barney Henderson is Newsweek's Content Editor, based in London, U.K. Barney joined Newsweek from The Times of London, and previously ... Read more