Military Conflict in Myanmar To Pause for 2 Weeks After Horrific Earthquake Claims 1600 Lives

• As the death toll in Myanmar's 7.7-magnitude earthquake rose to 1600, the country's neighbours jumped in to assist with aid
• The horrific earthquake also hit Thailand, where a skyscraper collapsed and killed 17 people, trapping almost 80 in the rubble
• Airports, highways and other critical infrastructure have been damaged by what is termed Myanmar's worst earthquake in history

For seven years, Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News journalist in Johannesburg, South Africa, covered accidents, fires, outbreaks, nature, weather and natural disaster-related incidents at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.

MYANMAR — Myanmar's neighbours have offered a helping hand in providing aid to the country, which was hit by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake on 28 March 2025. The country also announced that all military activities and conflict have ceased temporarily.

What happened in Myanmar?

According to SABC News, the country that neighbours Bangladesh, India and China lost 1600 people after the massive earthquake struck the nation. About 3400 people were badly injured, and the death toll could rise to 10,000, according to the US Geological Service's predictive modelling. The earthquake also destroyed critical infrastructure, including highways, an airport and bridges.

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Thailand was also hit

The neighbouring Thailand was also badly affected by the earthquake. This was after a skyscraper collapsed as a result of the earthquake. It's estimated that 17 people died when the 33-story building collapsed. Scores were injured, and more are still trapped in the rubble. A large operation has been mobilised to find the construction workers who have been tapped.

Fighting to pause

The National Unity Government, which has conflicted with the current military junta that overthrew former president Aang San Suu Kyi's administration, said it would cease military actions for two weeks. It said it would also carry out rescue operations in some of the hardest-hit areas.

The junta's chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing called on al military and civilian hospitals and healthworkers to work together to coordinate an effective medical response.

Recent earthquakes

Japan, another country in Asia, was hit by a devastating 7.6-magnitude earthquake. The earthquake resulted in a significant loss of life, and the South African government conveyed condolences to the country.

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Residents of the Northern Cape experienced a 5.3-magnitude earthquake on 22 December. Parts of the Western Cape, including Cape Town, felt the tremors. Fortunately, nobody was injured or lost their lives in the natural disaster.

What South Africans said

Netizens on SABC News' Facebook page shared their views on the earthquake.

Inock Vallete Cossambinha said:

"The first aid soldiers say they hear voices, but they don't know where they are."

Moeketsi Makhetha said:

"It's all predicted in the Bible. Everyring that's happening on earth."

Patrick MatakeMbishi said:

"Retribution for the Rohingya persecution."

2.5-magnitude earthquake hits Johanneburg

In another article, Briefly News reported that areas of the south of Johannesburg like Roodepoort and Soweto experienced a 2.5-magnitude earthquake in September last year.

The earthquake followed intense snowfall, which hit parts of the country days before. South Africans commented that the country had been experiencing different weather phenomena.

Source: Briefly News