A strong earthquake hit Myanmar on Friday, which brought panic and devastation to some areas. Strong aftershocks followed the initial tremors as buildings crumbled, including a mosque in Mandalay and a monastery in Taungoo. The quake had people running as buildings violently swayed while emergency workers scrambled to determine the extent of damage.

Authorities continue to assess the full scope of the disaster, and rescue units have been sent to the most affected regions. Roads, bridges, and places of worship have been badly damaged, making relief efforts even more difficult.

Casualties and Missing Persons

While formal confirmation is expected, reports say that no less than 25 individuals are reported dead as a result of the earthquake, while numerous others were injured. In Mandalay alone, the authorities have confirmed 20 deaths, with several injured locals receiving medical attention.

In Taungoo, the failure of a war refugee-sheltering monastery resulted in the horrific loss of five lives, including children, local news agencies said. Rescuers are on the ground, working to find survivors and determine further dangers from structural damage.

Neighboring Thailand also felt the effects of the quake, with dozens injured in Bangkok. At the same time, 43 individuals are missing following an under-construction 30-story building in the city’s Chatuchak district that collapsed completely.

Myanmar Hospital Isolated as ‘Mass Casualty Area’

One of the largest hospitals in Naypyidaw, the capital of Myanmar, has been flooded with the influx of injured victims. The hospital has been isolated as a “mass casualty area” as doctors and nurses struggle to contain the number of patients. Emergency workers are working around the clock to treat victims of the disaster.

Major #hospital in #Myanmar capital a ‘mass #casualty area’ after #quake

A major hospital in the Myanmar capital Naypyidaw is a “mass casualty area” after the country was rocked by a huge earthquake, an official at the facility told AFP. Rows of wounded were treated outside the… pic.twitter.com/AMlssNpiHL

— Crystalkeyl (@crystalkeyl) March 28, 2025

The destruction spread beyond the borders of Myanmar. China’s earthquake administration acknowledged that the shock waves extended up to Yunnan province. The China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) had measured the earthquake at 7.9 in magnitude.

Aftershocks Keep Authorities on High Alert

Myanmar’s government and neighboring nations are maintaining their guard up, ready for any aftershocks. Rescue teams are on the watch, as recurrent tremors will pose additional risks to life and property.

With rescue efforts on, officials are asking people to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines. The complete extent of the earthquake is yet to unfold as damaged areas start coming to terms with the destruction.