When and Where Did the Earthquake Occur?
Credits: @AraldoItaliano/X
A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday at approximately 12:50 p.m. local time (1:50 a.m. ET), according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter was located around 10 miles northwest of Sagaing, near Myanmar’s second-largest city, Mandalay. Shortly after the initial quake, a powerful 6.4-magnitude aftershock followed just 12 minutes later.
How Extensive Is the Destruction?
The USGS reported that the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of six miles, intensifying the impact across a 125-mile-long, 10-mile-wide corridor stretching through Mandalay. Severe shaking caused substantial damage, with buildings collapsing and debris on the streets.
#Mundo | Terremoto de magnitud 7,7 sacudió Myanmar este viernes 28 de marzo. El sismo se sintió en China y Tailandia, donde hay más de 40 obreros atrapados tras colapso de un rascacielos.#Terremoto #Myanmar #Emergencia pic.twitter.com/zMzmKoD4QL
— EL FRENTE (@diarioelfrente) March 28, 2025
Social media footage from Myanmar depicts scenes of panic, with individuals taking shelter on the tarmac at Mandalay Airport, while shattered glass and wreckage are visible throughout the terminal. Other images and videos showcase destroyed buildings and widespread devastation.
Scary visuals from Myanmar.
— Sumit (@SumitHansd) March 28, 2025
A 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Mandalay city, Myanmar
Multiple buildings destroyed in devastating quake.
Pray for Myanmar 🇲🇲 🙏❤️#Myanmar #earthquake #แผ่นดินไหว pic.twitter.com/FUikHKDyE7
According to Mohamed Riyas, Myanmar director of the International Rescue Committee, assessing the full extent of the damage could take weeks due to disrupted communication lines and transportation issues. He confirmed that rescue operations are actively underway to aid those affected.