Harrowing scenes of chaos and destruction were captured on video at Naypyidaw International Airport (NYT) as a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake rocked Myanmar and Thailand on March 28, 2025.
The earthquake hit around 12:50 local time, with the epicenter located in central Myanmar, about 50 kilometers east of the city of Monywa. It was followed minutes later by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock.
Naypyidaw Airport, located about 280 kilometers from the epicenter, was heavily damaged. The airport’s control tower is reported to have collapsed from the quake, resulting in five casualties. The runway and airport building itself also sustained significant damages, disrupting operations.
According to a post by A Fly Guy’s Cabin Crew Lounge, all personnel on duty at the control tower were killed.
The scene at Mandalay Airport during the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the Sagaing Region in northwestern Myanmar today.
Damage has also been reported in Naypyidaw, the administrative capital of the ruling military junta. pic.twitter.com/4Y856aASIe
— Myanmar Now (@Myanmar_Now_Eng) March 28, 2025
Video footage taken from the airport shows panicked passengers crouched on the open runway, with some looking for safer ground
The scene at Mandalay Airport during the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the Sagaing Region in northwestern Myanmar today.
Damage has also been reported in Naypyidaw, the administrative capital of the ruling military junta. pic.twitter.com/4Y856aASIe
— Myanmar Now (@Myanmar_Now_Eng) March 28, 2025
Footage taken from inside the airport shows the building interiors with collapsed ceilings, rubble, and passengers looking for cover. Reports say that rescue efforts are underway but the death toll is expected to rise.
Outside the airport, widespread destruction can be seen as pagodas, temples, and buildings collapse from the earthquake’s intensity.
Earthquake sum up 3pm (Mynamar/Thailand)
– 7.7 quake hit near Mandalay/Myanmar
– Hundreds of homes collapsed (various Myanmar cities)
– Strong shocks in Thailand + multiple building collapse in Bangkok
– USGS predicts thousands of people dead(Bangkok clips from social media:) pic.twitter.com/kJodTn6BIg
— Florian Witulski (@vaitor) March 28, 2025
The earthquake’s devastation reached as far as Bangkok, which is located over 1,400 kilometers from the epicenter.
At least three people were killed when a 33-story building under construction collapsed near the tourist area of Chatuchak market. Thailand’s Defense Minister was quoted by NBC News as saying that more than 80 others remained trapped in the rubble.
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is still in operation at the moment.
Although there is no figure for the earthquake’s death toll, it is feared to be high, as dozens are trapped under collapsed buildings and rubble.
