Nay Pyi Taw, March 30 (AseanAll) — As of the evening of March 29, 2025,the powerful earthquake in central Myanmar has left at least 1600 people dead and more than 3400 injured, and 139 people are missing, with the numbers expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue in the hardest-hit areas.
The 7.9-magnitude quake struck Sagaing on March 28, causing extensive damage across Mandalay, Naypyidaw, and surrounding regions.
Believed to be the strongest earthquake in Myanmar since 1946, the tremor resulted in widespread structural damage. Buildings collapsed, roads cracked, and bridges were destroyed. Numerous religious and cultural sites, including temples and pagodas, were also severely affected. Emergency crews are still working to reach those trapped in debris, and access remains difficult in remote or conflict-affected areas.
In response, Myanmar’s military-led government has declared a state of emergency in six regions, including Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, Bago, Naypyidaw, and northeastern Shan State.
The World Health Organization has activated its emergency response system and is preparing to send medical supplies from its logistics hub in Dubai. Shipments will include trauma kits, surgical tools, and essential medicines. The operation is being guided by frameworks developed during previous large-scale disasters, including the Türkiye–Syria earthquake in 2023.
