Yangon, March 29, 2025: A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, killing at least 1,000 people and causing widespread destruction, including in neighboring Thailand, where dozens remain trapped under rubble.
The quake, centered near Mandalay, is the strongest to hit Myanmar in over a century. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has warned that the death toll could exceed 10,000 based on preliminary assessments.
State broadcaster MRTV confirmed the fatalities on Saturday as rescue efforts were hindered by collapsed roads, power outages, and ongoing conflict in the country. Myanmar, already grappling with a civil war triggered by the 2021 military coup, faces significant challenges in responding to the disaster.
In Mandalay, residents recounted harrowing experiences. A local woman reported that her grandmother was trapped under debris when their home partially collapsed. “It struck with immense force and speed,” she said, adding that cracks had appeared in buildings across the neighborhood.
Neighboring Thailand also suffered damage. At least 10 people were killed in Bangkok when a high-rise under construction collapsed, with more than 100 people feared trapped. Thai authorities have launched a large-scale rescue operation.
China and India were among the first countries to dispatch aid. A Chinese rescue team arrived on Saturday morning, while New Delhi sent medical and emergency crews along with humanitarian supplies.
Geologist Jess Phoenix described the earthquake as releasing energy equivalent to over 300 atomic bombs and warned that aftershocks could persist for weeks. Experts attribute the disaster to the continued collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, which is expected to generate further seismic activity.
Relief organizations report that communication blackouts are making it difficult to assess needs and coordinate aid. Survivors are facing severe shortages of medical assistance, shelter, and clean water.
Pakistan establishes crisis management cell
In response to the disaster, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up a Crisis Management Cell to assist Pakistani nationals affected in Myanmar and Thailand.
In an official statement, the Foreign Office expressed solidarity with the people of Myanmar and Thailand, calling the earthquake an “unprecedented natural calamity.” Pakistani embassies in Yangon and Bangkok have been directed to provide all necessary support to affected nationals.
A dedicated Crisis Management Unit (CMU) at the Foreign Ministry in Islamabad has also been activated to monitor the situation and coordinate assistance.
Emergency contact information for Pakistani nationals
Embassy of Pakistan in Yangon:
📞 Mr. Anwar Zeb (Charge d’Affaires): +95 988 092 2880
📞 Mr. Muhammad Shoaib (Counsellor): +95 944 899 9967
📞 Mr. Ali Sher (Consular Assistant): +95 945 709 9977
Embassy of Pakistan in Bangkok:
📞 Mr. Fahad (First Secretary): +66 95 968 1506
📞 Mr. Yaseen (Consular Assistant): +66 91 697 7702
Crisis Management Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad:
📞 Phone: 051-9207887
📧 Email: cmu1@mofa.gov.pk
