News

Myanmar Earthquake Aftershocks Terrorize Survivors as Bangkok Building Collapse Death Toll Mounts

March 30, 2025
Maddison Cooper

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake has inflicted widespread devastation across Myanmar, triggering tremors that were felt as far away as the bustling capital of Thailand, Bangkok 1. This seismic event, the strongest to strike Myanmar in a century, has not only razed buildings and crippled infrastructure in the originating country but has also had tragic consequences in Bangkok with the collapse of a high-rise construction 2. In Myanmar, already reeling from the initial impact, survivors are now facing the added trauma of relentless aftershocks, severely impeding rescue operations and deepening an already dire humanitarian crisis 1. Simultaneously, in Bangkok, the death toll continues to climb from the catastrophic failure of a towering building under construction, a stark reminder of the far-reaching impact of this natural disaster 1. The sheer force of the earthquake, described by a geologist as having the energy equivalent of 334 atomic bombs, underscores the magnitude of the catastrophe unfolding across the region 2.

Casualty Summary:

LocationDeathsInjuredMissing
Myanmar1700+3400+Many
Bangkok173283
Total1717+3432+Many + 83

Myanmar: Aftershocks Intensify Survivors’ Plight:

The central region of Myanmar continues to be rattled by a series of aftershocks following the initial magnitude 7.7 earthquake, exacerbating the already precarious situation for survivors 1. These secondary tremors, including a significant 6.7 magnitude event shortly after the main quake and a 5.1 magnitude aftershock recorded on Sunday, are not only causing renewed panic but are also hindering the crucial work of rescue teams 2. The frequency and intensity of these aftershocks maintain a constant state of fear and instability for a population already grappling with immense loss and destruction 1. In Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city and near the earthquake’s epicenter, residents have reported scenes of terror as even moderate aftershocks send people screaming into the streets 7. This palpable fear underscores the profound psychological impact of the disaster, compounded by the persistent threat of further seismic activity.

The relentless aftershocks are significantly impeding the efforts of rescue workers desperately trying to reach those still trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings 1. The instability of damaged structures, further compromised by each tremor, makes rescue operations increasingly perilous and time-consuming. Adding to these challenges is the severe shortage of specialized equipment, forcing poorly equipped rescuers and local volunteers to dig through the debris with their bare hands in a desperate race against time 1. In the sweltering heat, with temperatures soaring as high as 39 degrees Celsius in Mandalay, the arduous task of manually clearing rubble further diminishes the chances of finding survivors 1. The lack of adequate tools not only slows down the process but also increases the risk of injury for those involved in the rescue efforts.

Tragically, the death toll in Myanmar continues to climb, now exceeding 1,700 confirmed fatalities, with fears that the final count could be significantly higher as the full scale of the devastation in remote areas becomes clearer 1. Over 3,400 individuals have sustained injuries, and a considerable number of people remain unaccounted for 1. In Sagaing, the city closest to the earthquake’s epicenter, the grim reality of the disaster is starkly evident as the smell of decaying bodies fills the air, a testament to the fact that recovery efforts are now focused more on retrieving the deceased than finding survivors 1. The sheer number of casualties and the widespread destruction have created an enormous humanitarian crisis, leaving countless individuals without safe shelter, access to potable water, and essential healthcare services 5.

The delivery of crucial humanitarian aid and the progress of rescue operations are facing significant hurdles due to the widespread damage to infrastructure 1. Buckled roads, collapsed bridges, and unreliable communication networks are all hindering access to the most affected areas 1. The damage to vital transportation arteries, including the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway, has further complicated logistical efforts 3. Compounding these issues is the collapse of the air traffic control tower at Naypyidaw International Airport, rendering the runways unusable and severely limiting the direct delivery of international assistance to the capital 2. While foreign aid has begun to trickle in from countries like India, China, Malaysia, and Russia, many residents in the hardest-hit areas report receiving little to no assistance from their own government, forcing communities to rely on their own limited resources 3. Despite the catastrophic situation, reports indicate that Myanmar’s military government has continued its attacks in certain regions, even as the main rebel movement declared a unilateral ceasefire to facilitate aid efforts, highlighting the complex and tragic interplay of natural disaster and ongoing conflict 1. The military junta has, however, declared a state of emergency across six of the most severely impacted regions 2.

Bangkok: Death Toll Rises in Collapsed High-Rise:

The powerful tremors originating in Myanmar had a devastating impact in Bangkok, approximately 1,000 kilometers away from the epicenter, where a 33-story high-rise building under construction crumbled to the ground 1. The death toll from this tragic collapse has now risen to 17, and authorities fear that this number may still increase as over 80 people, primarily construction workers, remain unaccounted for 1. The Bangkok police have expressed a somber outlook, suggesting that the chances of finding any more survivors are extremely slim 20.

Despite the discouraging prognosis, search and rescue teams continue to work tirelessly at the site of the collapsed building, utilizing heavy machinery to sift through the massive pile of debris 1. While the hope of finding survivors dwindles with each passing hour, the efforts persist to recover any remaining individuals trapped beneath the wreckage 8. Families of the missing workers are maintaining a vigil at the site, desperately awaiting any news of their loved ones 8. The scene is a poignant reminder of the human cost of this disaster, extending beyond the confirmed fatalities to the anguish and uncertainty faced by those with missing family members.

Initial investigations into the cause of the high-rise collapse are underway. The 33-story structure was intended to house offices for Thailand’s State Audit Office and was in the final stages of construction, approximately 30% complete 2. The project was a joint venture between an Italian-Thai development company and a Chinese construction firm 21. Thai authorities have launched an urgent inquiry into the incident, tasking an expert panel with delivering findings within seven days 21. Early reports suggest potential issues with the quality of steel used in the building’s construction, raising concerns about adherence to safety standards 23. Experts have also pointed out that a significant portion of buildings in Bangkok may not be adequately earthquake-resistant, despite existing regulations, and that the city’s soft soil can amplify seismic waves, potentially contributing to the collapse 1. The fact that no other high-rise buildings in Bangkok suffered similar destruction despite the tremors has further intensified scrutiny on the collapsed structure 21.

A Region Under Strain:

This devastating earthquake has starkly illustrated the interconnectedness of the Southeast Asian region, where a seismic event in one nation can have tragic repercussions in another 3. Both Myanmar and Thailand now face the arduous task of recovering from this dual crisis 25. While Myanmar grapples with the immediate aftermath of widespread destruction and the ongoing threat of aftershocks, Thailand is confronting the human cost of a significant structural failure and launching investigations to understand its causes 17. The scale of the disaster necessitates significant resources and sustained international cooperation to support the affected populations in both countries.

Conclusion:

The earthquake that struck Myanmar and subsequently led to the collapse of a high-rise in Bangkok represents a profound humanitarian crisis impacting thousands of lives. In Myanmar, survivors continue to endure the terror of aftershocks, which are severely hampering rescue efforts and exacerbating the challenges of delivering much-needed aid. The rising death toll in Bangkok serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of such powerful natural events, prompting urgent investigations into building safety standards. As both nations navigate the difficult path to recovery, the provision of international aid and the continuation of search and rescue operations remain critical to alleviate the suffering and address the immense needs of the affected communities.

Works cited

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