On March 28, 2025, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck Myanmar, causing widespread devastation, particularly near Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city. The earthquake has resulted in the loss of more than 1,700 lives, with the number continuing to rise. The epicenter was located near the Sagaing-Mandalay border, at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers. A strong aftershock of magnitude 6.4 followed soon after, compounding the destruction in the affected regions.

The earthquake caused catastrophic damage across multiple areas, with extensive destruction to infrastructure such as roads, residential buildings, and historical landmarks. Mandalay and the surrounding Sagaing region were among the hardest hit, where major sites like the Mahamuni Pagoda and the historic Ava Bridge have collapsed. The tremors were also felt in Chiang Mai, Thailand, prompting emergency responses there.

Satellite imagery from ISRO’s Cartosat-3, captured on March 29, provided crucial details of the damage. The images showed the severe destruction of Mandalay’s infrastructure, including the collapse of several iconic landmarks, and revealed the devastating effects on buildings and pagodas in both Mandalay and Sagaing.

Myanmar’s military government has declared a state of emergency as rescue operations are ongoing. The official death toll has surpassed 2,900, with many more injured and thousands still unaccounted for. The ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar is complicating relief efforts, making it difficult for authorities to respond effectively.

The earthquake was triggered by tectonic activity along the Sagaing Fault, where the Indian and Eurasian plates converge. This is one of the most significant seismic events to impact Myanmar in over a century, raising concerns about further geological instability in the region.

As recovery efforts continue, both local and international communities are coming together to support those affected by this devastating disaster.