March 28, 2025, 1:20 PM, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake occurred in northern Myanmar (latitude 22.05, longitude 95.84), with a depth of only 10 kilometers, classified as a very shallow source earthquake, causing massive destruction.
The seismic waves quickly spread to neighboring countries, including Bangkok, Thailand, Sihanoukville (West Port) in Cambodia, Yunnan in China, northeastern India, and Laos, with many people feeling strong tremors and some cities initiating emergency evacuations.
1. Impact of the earthquake: Significant tremors felt in multiple countries, strongest in Bangkok and West Port
1. Bangkok, Thailand: High-rise buildings swayed, people took emergency precautions
The tremor lasted for 3 minutes, with noticeable shaking in high-rise office buildings and hotels in central Bangkok, leading some companies to halt operations and evacuate employees to safe areas.
Waves were stirred up in the pool of a hotel along the Chao Phraya River, causing panic among tourists who fled.
BTS Skytrain and MRT subway services were temporarily halted to prevent damage to the tracks.
2. Sihanoukville, Cambodia: Severe tremors, some buildings damaged
As an economic zone in Cambodia, Sihanoukville saw cracks appearing at multiple construction sites, prompting workers to evacuate urgently.
Casinos and hotels were temporarily closed, with tourists guided to open areas for safety.
3. Ruili, Yunnan, China: Noticeable border tremors
The Ruili port initiated an emergency plan, with some shop windows shattering, though no severe structural damage was reported.
No leaks were detected in the China-Myanmar oil and gas pipeline, but inspections were intensified.
4. Within Myanmar: Myawaddy and Wacheng affected
Some buildings in the Myawaddy economic zone experienced facade peeling, an important trade hub in Myanmar, potentially affecting logistics.
Some old houses in Wacheng (Mandalay) collapsed, with no reports of large-scale casualties.
2. Emergency responses by countries: Governments and businesses take urgent action
1. Myanmar government initiates disaster relief mechanisms
The National Disaster Management Authority (DMH) dispatched rescue teams to the epicenter in Sagaing Province.
The military assisted in repairing damaged roads to ensure the transportation of relief supplies.
2. Thailand enhances safety inspections of high-rise buildings
The Bangkok city government required all buildings over 50 meters to undergo structural assessments.
Suvarnabhumi Airport was temporarily closed, resuming operations after runway safety checks.
3. Sihanoukville, Cambodia, halts some construction projects
The government required all high-rise buildings to be re-evaluated for earthquake resistance standards to prevent aftershock effects.
Casinos and hotels resumed operations but enhanced emergency drills.
4. Yunnan, China, initiates border disaster prevention plans
Ruili city opened emergency shelters for temporary accommodation of the public.
China-Myanmar border trade continued without interruption, though truck traffic slowed down.
3. Expert analysis: Why was the tremor range so extensive?
1. Shallow source earthquake + geological structure effects
This earthquake originated at only 10 kilometers deep, concentrating energy release, and given Myanmar's location at the junction of the Indian-Australian and Eurasian plates, seismic waves easily spread to surrounding areas.
2. Southeast Asian cities' varying earthquake resistance capabilities
Bangkok: Many high-rise buildings, but some older buildings lack sufficient earthquake resistance standards.
West Port: Numerous ongoing construction projects, some of which do not strictly follow earthquake resistance norms.
Myawaddy, Myanmar: Rapid development in the economic zone, but infrastructure quality is questionable.
3. Will there be stronger aftershocks in the future?
Experts from the China Earthquake Networks Center stated:
Aftershocks of magnitude 4-5 are possible in the next week, but the probability of a magnitude 7 or higher is low.
People should avoid entering damaged buildings to prevent secondary collapses.
4. Potential impacts on the economy and tourism
1. Short-term setback for Myanmar's economic zones
Delays in Myawaddy logistics may affect Thai-Myanmar border trade.
Foreign companies assess risks, with some factories possibly halting production.
2. Thai tourism industry may be affected
The tremors in Bangkok raised concerns among tourists, leading to some hotel cancellations.
However, the Thai government emphasized "overall safety," urging tourists to view the situation rationally.
3. Temporary halt in Sihanoukville's gambling industry
Casinos closed for several hours, losing approximately millions in revenue.
However, in the long term, West Port's newer infrastructure allows for quick recovery.
5. How should the public respond? Safety guidelines issued
During an earthquake
Indoors: Take cover under sturdy furniture, stay away from windows.
Outdoors: Stay away from buildings and utility poles, seek safety in open areas.
After the earthquake
Ensure gas and electrical systems are safe before returning home.
Follow official announcements, avoid believing rumors.
