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A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Mandalay-Sagaing region in southwestern Myanmar on March 28, causing significant destruction and heightening fears of a substantial death toll. Neighboring countries, including Bangladesh, India, Laos, Thailand, and China, also felt the tremors.
Ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar hampers communication, but videos on social media reveal buildings and skyscrapers collapsing in the disaster's aftermath. By March 28 afternoon EST, the death toll had reached 150. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, conveyed the pope's condolences in a message to civil and church authorities in Myanmar and Thailand, stating the pope was “deeply saddened by the loss of life and widespread devastation.” The pope offered prayers for the deceased and support for those affected. He also prayed for strength and perseverance for emergency responders.
The earthquake was accompanied by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock, intensifying the destruction. Among the ruined structures were roads and the iconic, colonial-era Ava bridge over the Irrawaddy River. Hundreds are missing following the collapse of a skyscraper in Bangkok, Thailand's capital. In Myanmar’s capital, the quake turned a major hospital into a “mass casualty area.”
A Myanmar NGO source described the experience to UCA News: “I felt it bad. I was standing, and then I was hit directly; even now, I’m still dizzy. The building shook badly. The fridge and the freezer were bouncing around the house. It was only one minute, but it just seemed to last forever.” Many locations, including Mandalay, have suffered severe damage, with reports of numerous casualties and injuries.
The disaster exacerbates Myanmar's ongoing civil war struggles, leaving many communities with little aid. A Catholic source in Mandalay stated, “The tragedy is that relief efforts are scarce or completely absent,” highlighting the absence of government assistance in regions like Sagaing, the quake’s epicenter. Areas under rebel control lack functioning civil institutions, leaving citizens reliant on community and ethnic military support.
In junta-held areas, some emergency services are active in Naypyidaw and Mandalay, but many regions have no official support, according to a Fides source. The military junta declared a state of emergency in six regions and reached out for international humanitarian aid.
Numerous religious structures were damaged, including several Catholic churches in Mandalay and a mosque where 20 people died. St. Michael’s Church in Mandalay was the hardest hit. St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Taunggyi, Shan State, also suffered damage. Catholic institutions across various cities suspended liturgical services and mobilized aid for those made homeless.
CNS Rome also contributed to this report.
