Myanmar quake death toll tops 1,000

March 29, 2025 — A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, killing over 1,000 people, the nation’s military government reported today. The U.S. Geological Survey warns the toll could soar much higher as rescue efforts unfold.

The quake, centered near Mandalay, hit at 12:50 p.m. local time on March 28, followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock. Myanmar’s junta confirmed 1,002 deaths and 2,376 injuries by Saturday, with numbers expected to rise as teams dig through rubble. The U.S. Geological Survey’s modeling suggests a death toll exceeding 10,000 is possible, given the quake’s shallow 10-km depth and dense population near the epicenter.

International aid is pouring in, with China, India, and Russia sending teams and supplies. Myanmar’s military, in a rare move, opened doors to global help, signaling a chance for recovery. "Strength will emerge from this," said a relief official. See our seismic risks guide (/earthquake-risks-2025). Bangkok, 600 miles away, reported nine deaths from a collapsed skyscraper. Tremors also rattled Andhra Pradesh’s coastal districts, though no damage was reported here.