A strong earthquake rocked Myanmar on Friday, impacting millions of people.

By Alice Scarsi, World News Editor, Emily Wright, World News Reporter

11:22, Fri, Mar 28, 2025 | UPDATED: 11:56, Fri, Mar 28, 2025

Rescue workers in Thailand

The earthquake that originated in Myanmar was felt across South-East Asia (Image: Getty)

The US Geological Survey (USGS) has issued a red alert following the 8.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday. Earlier this morning, they forecast a death toll between 1,000 and 10,000.

According to the USGS website, the earthquake, with its epicentre near Mandalay, has been given a IX intensity rating, with violent shaking and heavy damage. "Red alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses," the website explains. "High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread.

Thousands are feared dead after the huge earthquake.

Thousands are feared dead after the huge earthquake. (Image: USGS)

It added that "Past red alerts have required a national or international response".

So far, three people have been reported to have been killed after a mosque in Myanmar partially collapsed. A member of a rescue team based in Mandalay, Myanmar, has said "the damage is enormous".

"The number of deaths is also quite high. That's all we can say right now because the rescue efforts are ongoing," they told the BBC. "The exact number of casualties is not yet known, but it is at least in the hundreds."

A pictiure of injured people in Myanmar holding hands

The exact number of casualties is not yet known, but it is at least in the hundreds (Image: Getty)

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Dr Yan Naing at Mandalay Hospital also revealed that 19 people have died and at least 200 people are already at the hospital.

“There aren’t enough doctors and space,” he said.

Three people have also died in Bangkok the Thai defence minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, has confirmed. The fatalities were at the site where an under-construction high rise collapsed.