A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck parts of Burma (Myanmar) and northern Thailand in the early hours of Saturday, jolting millions awake and triggering widespread fear across the region. The United States Geological Survey reported that the quake’s epicenter was located in eastern Burma near the Thai border, at a shallow depth of about 10 kilometers, a factor that intensified its impact on nearby communities.
In Burma, residents in major cities reported buildings swaying, windows rattling, and people rushing outdoors in the darkness. Emergency services were quickly overwhelmed as reports came in of structural damage, power outages, and communication disruptions. Authorities began assessing conditions in rural and mountainous areas, where landslides are a serious concern following strong seismic activity.
Across northern Thailand, including Chiang Mai, the quake caused similar scenes of alarm. Historic buildings sustained minor damage, and residents fled into open spaces as aftershocks followed. Even in Bangkok, hundreds of kilometers away, high-rise buildings swayed noticeably, prompting evacuations and temporary closures while safety inspections were conducted.
Officials in both countries urged caution, warning that aftershocks could continue for days. Transportation services were briefly halted, schools closed, and emergency shelters opened in affected areas. While the full extent of damage remains under assessment, authorities emphasized preparedness and cooperation as communities begin the process of recovery following one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the region in recent years.