Friday Prayers Turn Deadly: 20 Killed in Myanmar’s M 7.7 Quake

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, March 28, 2025, during Friday prayers, resulting in a tragic loss of life and widespread destruction. Initial reports indicate that hundreds of Muslim worshippers were killed as mosques collapsed in the Mandalay and Sagaing regions, the areas closest to the earthquake’s epicenter.  

The earthquake, the strongest to hit Myanmar since 1912, occurred at 12:50 PM local time. The shallow depth of the quake, at only 10 km, amplified its impact, causing violent shaking that toppled buildings and infrastructure. The timing of the earthquake, coinciding with Friday prayers during the holy month of Ramadan, led to a high number of casualties among those gathered in mosques.  

Distressing videos and reports from the ground show mosques reduced to rubble, with rescue efforts underway to find survivors amidst the debris. Local Muslim communities have reported that over 60 mosques were damaged or destroyed in the Mandalay and Sagaing regions alone. The Spring Revolution Myanmar Muslim Network estimates that hundreds of worshippers have perished, though the exact figures are still being compiled.  

The earthquake’s impact extended beyond religious buildings, causing widespread damage to homes, roads, and other infrastructure. Neighboring Thailand also felt the tremors, with reports of significant damage in Bangkok, where a building under construction collapsed.  

International aid has begun to pour into Myanmar, with countries like China and India sending rescue teams and supplies. However, the scale of the disaster and the ongoing challenges in accessing affected areas are hampering relief efforts. The earthquake has further compounded the existing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, which has been grappling with civil unrest and political instability.  

As rescue operations earthquake struck Myanmar continue, the focus remains on providing aid to the injured, recovering the deceased, and offering support to the countless individuals who have lost their homes and loved ones in this devastating natural disaster. The tragic events of this Friday serve as a stark reminder of the destructive power of earthquakes and the vulnerability of communities in seismically active regions.