As of March 30, 2025, the most significant natural disaster this year has been the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28. The 7.7-magnitude tremor, centered near Mandalay, resulted in at least 1,644 fatalities and over 3,400 injuries. The quake caused widespread destruction, damaging critical infrastructure such as bridges, roads, hospitals, and communication networks, complicating rescue and relief efforts. Thousands have been left homeless or are reluctant to return to their damaged residences due to fears of aftershocks. A state of emergency has been declared in the hardest-hit areas, and the military junta has requested international assistance. Countries including China, Russia, India, South Korea, and members of the European Union have mobilized aid, with the United Nations allocating $5 million for immediate response. Rescue operations face significant challenges due to unstable conditions and disrupted services, and there is a critical shortage of medical supplies.   

In neighboring Thailand, the earthquake’s impact was also severe, with Bangkok experiencing the collapse of a high-rise building under construction, resulting in 10 deaths, 16 injuries, and 101 individuals reported missing. 

This earthquake is the deadliest to hit Myanmar since 1930 and has compounded the nation’s existing humanitarian crises.