Natural Disaster 

Mandalay Earthquake

China's and Belarus' rescue teams coordinate at the site of a collapsed building in Mandalay on April 2, 2025, five days after a major earthquake struck central Myanmar. - Stringer/AFP/Getty Images

Myanmar’s earthquake: Urgent call for principled, effective international action.

On 28 March, at 12:50 local time, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake of a depth of 10km hit at least 68 townships in Sagaing region, Mandalay region, Magway region, Bago region, Shan state, and Nay Pyi Taw. It was followed by a series of aftershocks – including one of around 6.4 magnitude and another of 5.1 – with strong tremors felt in Yangon and across the country, as well as in Mae Sot, Chiang Mai and Bangkok in Thailand. The earthquake was recorded as Myanmar’s strongest in decades, and the world’s strongest since the 2023 earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Early reports of the earthquake’s impact are catastrophic. As of this statement’s writing, the death toll from the earthquake is expected to exceed 10,000. Thousands of civilians – including women and children – have already been discovered dead, injured, or missing following the earthquake. Roads, highways, bridges, such as the central Ava Bridge in Sagaing region, and other key transportation pathways have collapsed. Homes and buildings have fallen, trapping countless people and resulting in power outages and electricity shortages. Unesco world heritage sites and other centuries-old cultural monuments have been significantly damaged or destroyed. The earthquake hit monasteries, pagodas, churches and other areas of worship – including mosques right before Ramadan prayers and Eid al-Fitr.

Related news:

Myanmar earthquake death toll rises again with hundreds still missing

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake shook Southeast Asia on March 28.

ByMorgan Winsor and David Brennan

April 5, 2025, 6:34 PM

Natural Disaster:

A natural disaster is a major adverse event resulting from natural processes, like earthquakes, floods, or storms, that cause significant loss of life, property damage, or environmental destruction. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Types of Natural Disasters:

• Geophysical:
  • Earthquakes: Tremors and shaking of the Earth's surface.
  • Volcanic Activity: Eruptions and lava flows.
  • Landslides: Downward movement of soil, rock, and debris.
  Tsunamis: Large ocean waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.
Meteorological/Climatic:
Floods: Overflows of water, often caused by heavy rainfall or storm surges.
Droughts: Prolonged periods of abnormally dry weather.
Wildfires: Out-of-control fires in vegetation.
Storms: Severe weather events, including hurricanes, cyclones, and blizzards.
Extreme Temperatures: Both heat waves and cold snaps.
Other:
Avalanches: Large amounts of snow and ice sliding down a slope. 

Impacts of Natural Disasters:

Loss of Life: Natural disasters can cause significant fatalities.
Property Damage: Structures, infrastructure, and other assets can be severely damaged or destroyed.
Economic Losses: Disasters can disrupt economies and cause billions of dollars in damage.
Environmental Damage: Natural disasters can have long-term effects on ecosystems and biodiversity.
Displacement of Populations: People may be forced to evacuate their homes and communities.
Humanitarian Crises: Disasters can lead to shortages of food, water, shelter, and medical care.