What caused the powerful Myanmar and Thailand earthquake?
Myanmar Earthquake 2025: Deadly 7.7-Magnitude Quake Kills 1,600+, Sparks Global Relief Efforts
A catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has left over 1,600 people dead and 3,400 injured, triggering a humanitarian crisis. The Myanmar earthquake 2025 struck near Mandalay, causing widespread destruction, collapsed buildings, and landslides. Thousands are feared trapped under debris as rescue operations intensify.
What causes earthquakes?
First of all, a quick explanation of what an earthquake actually is. The Earth is made up of three parts: a molten, mostly metallic core at the centre, surrounded by a hot, nearly solid layer of rock called the mantle, with a jigsaw-like crust on the outside that is made up of constantly shifting tectonic plates.
This movement of the plates on the slippery mantle, at different speeds and in different directions, causes energy to build up. The release of this energy causes the intense shaking of the planet’s surface that we call an earthquake. When the energy is released below the ocean, it creates a series of huge waves known as a tsunami.
Aftershocks are triggered “because of changes to stress in the Earth from the main shock,” according to Will Yeck, a seismologist with the US Geological Survey (USGS).
What lies beneath the surface in Myanmar?
Myanmar’s location between two tectonic plates – the India and Eurasia plates – places it at particular risk of earthquakes.
The boundary between the two plates is called the Saigang Fault. Experts describe it as a long, straight line running approximately 1,200km (745 miles) from north to south through cities such as Mandalay and Yangon, placing millions of people at risk.
According to the USGS, the Myanmar earthquake occurred because the India and Eurasia plates were rubbing sideways against each other, a motion described as “strike-slip faulting.
Massive Devastation and Powerful Aftershocks
The Myanmar earthquake epicenter was near Mandalay, one of the nation’s largest cities. Shocking earthquake footage shows high-rise buildings collapsing in seconds, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. Survivors are searching for loved ones as strong aftershocks continue to rock the region.
The tremors were felt in Thailand, India, Bangladesh, and China’s Yunnan province, with reports of a 33-story building collapse in Bangkok. Infrastructure damage, landslides, and power outages are complicating rescue efforts, raising fears that the Myanmar earthquake death toll will continue to climb.
Urgent Rescue Operations Amidst Crisis
Myanmar earthquake rescue operations are underway, but damaged roads, collapsed bridges, and ongoing political turmoil are severely hindering progress. Thousands remain trapped, and emergency responders are racing against time to find survivors.
In a remarkable moment of resilience, a pregnant woman in Bangkok, evacuated from a hospital during the tremors, safely gave birth on the street with medical staff’s help—offering a rare glimmer of hope amid the disaster.
Rising Death Toll and Worsening Humanitarian Crisis
Authorities warn that the Myanmar earthquake death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams uncover more victims. With thousands missing and countless families displaced, Myanmar is facing one of its worst earthquakes in recent history. The government has made an urgent appeal for international aid, as survivors struggle with extreme shortages of food, clean water, and medical assistance.
Stay Updated on the Myanmar Earthquake 2025
As search and rescue teams battle against time, global relief efforts continue to escalate. Follow the latest Myanmar earthquake updates, rescue stories, and international aid developments as the world unites to support those affected by this devastating disaster.
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