M7.7 Mandalay, Burma (Myanmar) Earthquake
New details emerge about earthquake, emphasizing the value of USGS seismic research
2025 M 7.7 Mandalay, Burma (Myanmar) Earthquake
New online story explores the complex seismotectonics of the region
The USGS plays a pivotal role in providing critical earthquake data to the global community through a suite of advanced tools and resources. StoryMap linked below highlights what we know about the 2025 M 7.7 Mandalay, Burma (Myanmar) Earthquake.
Event Summary
On March 28, 2025, at approximately 12:50 p.m. local time, a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck near Mandalay, Burma’s (Myanmar’s) second-largest city, home to 1.2 million people. The shallow depth of the quake, about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), resulted in intense shaking that devastated the region and was felt as far away as Bangkok, Thailand.
This region has experienced similar large earthquakes in the past, with six other magnitude 7 and larger earthquakes occurring within about 250 kilometers (160 miles) of the March 28 event since 1900. The most recent of these was a magnitude 7.0 earthquake in January 1990, which caused significant damage and fatalities.
The devastation in this event is a sobering reminder that large earthquakes in populated regions can result in catastrophe. One of the most effective ways to reduce risk and inform response and recovery efforts is through timely data and resources that characterize event details and impacts. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) plays a pivotal role in providing critical earthquake data to the global community through a suite of advanced tools and resources.
USGS Support of Earthquake Response and Recovery
The USGS collaborates both domestically and internationally with seismic networks and agencies to share data and expertise. Working across the globe enhances the accuracy of earthquake monitoring and hazard assessments, and ensures that critical information is disseminated worldwide, aiding in preparedness and response efforts across nations.
The USGS provides numerous resources when an earthquake occurs. Some are produced rapidly as soon as an earthquake is detected. Others are released over the hours, days, and weeks following the earthquake. Here are a few of the essential science-based resources we provide and how they helped frame the impact and response to the March 2025 Burma (Myanmar) event.
PAGER: Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response
Immediately following the earthquake, the USGS activated its PAGER system, which provides rapid assessments of likely impact via estimates of the number of fatalities and economic losses. For the Burma earthquake, PAGER issued a Red alert, indicating that both fatalities and economic losses would likely be severe and widespread. This assessment aids governments and humanitarian organizations in mobilizing appropriate responses and resources.
Ground Failure: Assessing Landslide and Liquefaction Hazards
The preliminary USGS Ground Failure assessment indicated that the region struck by the earthquake was likely exposed to extensive shaking-induced liquefaction and significant landslide activity, adversely impacting local communities.
Operational Earthquake Aftershock Forecasts
After the mainshock, people in the region can expect aftershocks to continue for weeks, months, or even years. The USGS provides aftershock forecasts, offering probabilistic estimates of the number and magnitude of aftershocks that may occur. This information is vital for residents and responders to remain vigilant and prepared for subsequent tremors. Within the first week, there was a 40% chance of additional magnitude 6 and larger aftershocks, as well as 63% chance of more magnitude 5 and larger aftershocks. As of April 2, these have decreased to 9% and 60%, respectively.
Fault Rupture Mapping
While commonly plotted as points on maps, earthquakes of this size involve slip over a large fault area that can be hundreds of kilometers long, depending on the earthquake size. USGS scientists used both comparisons of pre- and post-event satellite imagery and manual mapping methods to identify the extent of the earthquake fault rupture. This information has been published as a GIS map and data portal online. The preliminary analyses suggest a surface rupture length of approximately 460 kilometers (290 miles), agreeing well with updated estimates from USGS slip models derived from analysis of global seismic data.
In the case of the March 2025 earthquake near Mandalay, the USGS's comprehensive suite of tools and resources provides invaluable information that supports emergency response, informs the public, and contributes to the global understanding of seismic events. Through continuous advancements in earthquake monitoring and data dissemination, the USGS remains a cornerstone in the global effort to mitigate the impacts of disasters.