Myanmar is grappling with the devastating aftermath of a magnitude-7.7 earthquake that struck on 28 March, leaving more than 1,700 people dead and over 3,400 injured.
The quake has prompted a significant international response, with aid pouring in from China, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Russia. The Red Cross has launched an urgent appeal for USD 100 million to support relief efforts.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located 16 km (10 miles) northwest of Sagaing, near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, which has a population of approximately 1.5 million people. The disaster has left entire communities in ruins, with at least 300 people reported missing.
Rescue operations are underway, with teams in Mandalay working to locate survivors.
The first quake struck at approximately 12:50 local time, followed by a second tremor just 12 minutes later, measuring 6.4 in magnitude. A magnitude-5.1 aftershock was recorded on 30 March, northwest of Mandalay, with residents reporting it as the strongest since the initial quake.
Tremors were felt far beyond Myanmar’s borders, affecting parts of Thailand, Laos, and China. The US Geological Survey (USGS) has warned that Myanmar’s death toll could exceed 10,000, with economic losses potentially surpassing the country’s annual economic output.
In Thailand, the earthquake claimed at least 18 lives, including 11 people trapped in a collapsed high-rise building in Bangkok, where 78 others remain missing.
Laos Extends Condolences
On 29 March, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone sent a telegram of condolences to Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, expressing deep sympathy for the loss of life and destruction caused by the earthquake.
He assured Myanmar of Laos’ solidarity and confidence in its recovery efforts, stating, “I am confident that with your and the Government’s attention, the people of Myanmar will overcome the difficulties and restore the affected areas to normalcy as soon as possible.”
ASEAN Responds with Emergency Meeting
Meanwhile, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) convened a Special Emergency Meeting on March 30 under the chairmanship of Malaysia, ASEAN’s 2025 chair.
Laos’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs participated remotely, joining discussions on the earthquake’s impact and the region’s coordinated response.
During the meeting, ASEAN members expressed condolences and reaffirmed their commitment to providing humanitarian assistance.
The ASEAN Secretary-General was designated as the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator, with the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Coordination Centre (AHA Centre) facilitating relief efforts. The meeting acknowledged contributions from ASEAN member states, external partners, the United Nations, and the private sector.