Staff Reports
A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, leaving a trail of destruction and loss across Southeast Asia. The quake, centered near Mandalay in the Sagaing region, is the most powerful to hit the area in over a century. With over 3,000 confirmed fatalities in Myanmar and at least 19 deaths in neighboring Thailand, the disaster underscores the fragility of human life in the face of nature’s unrelenting force. Amidst ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar, this tragedy has further strained an already beleaguered nation.
The earthquake caused widespread structural collapse, including bridges and high-rises, with tremors felt as far as Bangkok and southwestern China. Emergency services in both Myanmar and Thailand have been overwhelmed by the scale of destruction. In Bangkok, a partially constructed skyscraper collapsed, trapping dozens beneath the rubble. Meanwhile, in Myanmar’s Sagaing region, entire communities have been cut off due to infrastructure failures, complicating rescue efforts. The military junta’s tight control over information has only added to the challenges of assessing the full scope of the disaster.
This tragedy highlights nature’s power and the vulnerabilities created by human governance. In Myanmar, years of civil war and authoritarian rule have left critical infrastructure in disrepair and emergency response capabilities woefully inadequate. While international aid has started to trickle in, including contributions from ASEAN member states, the junta’s history of prioritizing military operations over humanitarian needs raises questions about how effectively these resources will be deployed. The regime’s continued airstrikes against ethnic rebel groups even during this crisis reflect a troubling disregard for its citizens.
The earthquake also serves as a stark reminder of how political instability can exacerbate natural disasters. In Thailand, where democracy remains fragile, the government’s swift response has been a rare moment of unity and competence. However, such moments are fleeting without sustained leadership prioritizing national resilience over political squabbles. For Myanmar, this disaster should be a wake-up call for its rulers to shift focus from perpetuating conflict to rebuilding trust and infrastructure.
As rescue efforts continue and the death toll rises, it is essential to keep those affected in our prayers while demanding accountability from leaders who have neglected their responsibilities. Natural disasters are unavoidable, but their impact can be mitigated through preparation and governance that values human life above all else. This earthquake is not just a tragedy—it is a call to action for nations to prioritize stability and compassion over division and power struggles.
