KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, causing widespread infrastructure damage and tremors felt across the region, including Thailand and China.
- Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with significant impacts on transportation, communication, and utilities in affected areas.
- Further moderate-to-strong aftershocks are possible, and officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure to check for damage.
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake occurred 16 km (10 miles) north-northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar on 28 Mar at 6:20 UTC. Tremors have been reported across the region, including in Sagaing, Mandalay, Kyaukse, Pyin Oo Lwin, and Shwebo in upper Myanmar, as well as in neighboring countries such as Thailand and China. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles) and was followed by a magnitude-6.4 aftershock at 6:32 UTC. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.
Initial reports in Myanmar indicate that widespread infrastructure damage has occurred, mostly across central regions near the epicenter but reaching as far as Yangon. The worst affected areas include parts of Mandalay City and Region, Sagaing Region, Bago Region, Naypyidaw, and southern Shan State.
Several roads are blocked in affected areas, including sections of the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway. The old Sagaing Bridge over the Ayeyarwady River in Mandalay has collapsed. Flights have been affected at Naypyidaw International Airport (NYT) and Mandalay International Airport (MDL) due to damage to airport facilities; flights appear to be operating as normal at Yangon International Airport (RGN). Comprehensive damage assessments will take time, especially in remote areas; damage to roads and other infrastructure will likely hamper assessments and response operations. Widespread power and communication outages are ongoing in affected areas.
Ongoing Impacts in Thailand
Despite being around 1,000 km (621 miles) south-southeast of the epicenter, the earthquake has caused severe impacts in Bangkok. A high-rise building in Chatuchak Park collapsed due to the shaking, trapping dozens of people. Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) suspended operations for around 20 minutes following the quake. Metro and rail service disruptions have also been reported. Trading has been suspended on Thailand's stock exchange, and the capital has been declared a level 2 (Moderate) (the second-lowest level on a 4-tier scale) disaster zone in response to the impacts of the earthquake.
Further moderate-to-strong aftershocks are possible in the coming hours and days. Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Ongoing utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.
China
Lesser impacts have been reported in southern parts of Yunnan Province in China. A small number of injuries has been reported in Ruili City due to falling construction material, and several buildings have been damaged.
Personal Safety During Earthquakes
Earthquakes give no warning and can happen anywhere. Consider the following general advice:
- During an earthquake, stay inside until the shaking stops. Most injuries during earthquakes occur when people are hit by falling objects when entering or exiting buildings.
- Minimize your movements during an earthquake; move quickly to get to the nearest safe place and then stay there.
- If the electricity goes out, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns. Do not use candles, matches, or open flames indoors after the earthquake because of possible gas leaks.
- After the initial tremor, it’s important to plan accordingly for aftershocks. These secondary shock waves are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures.
- Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Remember to seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.
- Travelers should maintain contact with diplomatic representations. Persons requiring assistance should contact their security, travel or medical provider.
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