Myanmar Devastated by Strongest Earthquake in over a Century as Death Toll Climbs Past 1,600

A massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Southeast Asia on Friday, killing more than 1,600 people and destroying buildings from Mandalay, Myanmar, to as far away as Bangkok, Thailand.

The center of the quake was in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-biggest city. According to CNN, the U.S. Geological Survey warns that the toll could surpass 10,000 as more victims are being discovered in the rubble. 

BREAKING: Skyscraper under construction collapses during earthquake in Bangkok pic.twitter.com/URArEojgyc

— BNO News (@BNONews) March 28, 2025

In Mandalay, a mother of two, Phyu Lay Khaing, was pulled from the debris of the collapsed Sky Villa Condominium after 30 hours trapped beneath concrete and metal. According to AFP, she was taken to a nearby hospital and was able to be reunited with her husband and two young sons.

“In the beginning, I didn’t think she would be alive,” her husband said in an interview with AFP. “I am very happy that I heard good news.”

A Red Cross official told AFP that more than 90 people could still be trapped beneath the same apartment building. Sadly, many families are still searching for their missing loved ones in the debris from buildings that have collapsed. 

This makes me very sad. Such a beautiful country.#MyanmarEarthquake pic.twitter.com/VFLbJY4Op7

— Roland Mathys (@MathysRoland) March 29, 2025

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the March 28 earthquake is the strongest in Myanmar since 1912. The widespread damage has been made worse by the country’s already fragile infrastructure, and the civil war has made things even harder by leaving the military government cut off and low on resources.

Myanmar’s ruling military government issued an international plea for help. Foreign support has started to arrive, including rescue and medical teams from China and India, as well as promised aid from Singapore, Malaysia, Russia, and Hong Kong, according to Global Times and The Hindu reports.

India has sent 15 tons of relief material to Myanmar 694 dead 1,670 injured 240+ buildings collapsed Thailand.

IAF's aircraft has departed with relief material India stands with its neighbors in crisis 🇮🇳🤝#earthquake #Myanmarquake #MyanmarEarthquake #แผ่นดินไหว #ตึกถล่ม pic.twitter.com/nbDLZ76IIW

— Dr Vivek Pandey (@Vivekpandey21) March 29, 2025

This nation needs our help and prayers now more than ever. For more information on how you can help those affected by the Myanmar earthquake, visit CNN Impact Your World.

A Prayer for Those Affected by Earthquake in Myanmar

Dear Heavenly Father,
We come to You during this hard time.
Lord, we ask that You may bring hope and peace to all those affected by the Myanmar Earthquake.
Jesus, please bring comfort to the many families who have lost loved ones due to the quake's destruction.
Bring healing to any civilian hurt by the impact of the earthquake's rubble and debris.
Dear Lord, we ask that You protect those who are still searching for their families and friends and create a shield around the rescuers who are out working tirelessly to find any other victims.
We ask You, Lord, to turn the eyes of the world and a helping hand toward this hurting nation.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

Originally published March 29, 2025.