On 28 March 2025, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar. Tremors were felt across Thailand and Vietnam, especially in high-rise buildings, prompting precautionary evacuations. Vietnam seems to have been spared damages; however, significant damage has been reported in Thailand, and severe damage is being reported in Myanmar. Due to possible aftershocks, continued vigilance is recommended.
Safety tips:
If any aftershocks or further earthquake is felt, move to open areas away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Avoid elevators.
Practical tips during an earthquake or aftershock:
- Indoors: Drop, cover, and hold on. Get under sturdy furniture or crouch in an inner corner, protecting your head and neck. Stay away from glass, windows, and heavy furniture. Stay towards the center of the building as the outside walls, windows and facades are most likely to receive damage. Only use a doorway for shelter if it’s known to be strong.
- If in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow, unless under a heavy light fixture, then move to a safer spot.
- If in the kitchen, turn off heat or gas and move to a safer location if possible.
- Once tremors have stopped, carefully evacuate using stairs. Be sure to turn off gas and electric before leaving
- Outdoors: Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and wires. Stay there until shaking stops.
In a vehicle: Pull over in a safe spot, avoiding overpasses and power lines. Stay inside until safe to drive.
If trapped under debris: Stay still, cover your mouth, and tap on a surface to signal rescuers. - Only return to buildings that have been cleared by local authorities or engineers.
- If you haven’t already, assemble an emergency kit including medications, identification, flashlight, chargers and essential food and water.
Emergency Numbers:
- Thailand = 191
- Myanmar Police = 199, Fire = 191, Ambulance = 192
- Vietnam Police = 113, Fire = 114, Ambulance = 115
Travel & Communication
- Limit travel, leaving roadways available for emergency services. Roads and infrastructure may be impacted or impassable, including mass transit.
- Be sure to include your employer as you communicate your status to friends and family. There may be support services available.
- Follow only local news from reliable sources and confirm information received on social media by individual users
Support
Donate to aid groups on the ground helping now:
- https://www.rescue.org/country/myanmar
- https://www.care.org/our-work/where-we-work/myanmar/
- https://www.icrc.org/en/where-we-work/myanmar
Our thoughts are with those impacted and we continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds.
