Myanmar Earthquake: Emergency Travel Advice Issued as Thailand Also Assesses Damage
Photo Credit: A file image of temples near Mandalay, Myanmar. Mike Swigunski/Unsplash / Mike Swigunski/Unsplash
Skift Take
It will likely be many hours before the full impact of the 7.7 magnitude quake is known, but early reports suggest serious damage in Myanmar and parts of neighboring Thailand.
Myanmar’s fledgling tourism industry is under extreme pressure after a serious earthquake hit the country on Friday. The epicenter of the 7.7 magnitude quake was near the central city of Sagaing, however, tremors were felt hundreds of miles away, including in neighboring Thailand.
The situation remains unclear, however, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said that almost 800,000 people live where “violent” shaking would be felt.
Video shared on social media appears to show widespread destruction in major cities across Myanmar, including hotels and areas popular with tourists.
Cross-Border ImpactData from Myanmar’s Ministry of Hotels and Tourism shows just over 1 million overseas visitors entered the country in 2024. Political turmoil over recent years has dampened demand from inbound visitors.
