In the early hours of Monday morning, a powerful earthquake shook communities along the China–Myanmar border, sending tremors across Southeast Asia. The event, measured at a magnitude of 7.7, is already being described by experts as one of the most significant seismic occurrences in the region in recent decades.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake originated about 10 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface. Because of its shallow depth, the shaking was felt across a wide area, including parts of southern China, northern Thailand, and Myanmar.

Residents from major cities to small rural villages described the sensation differently: some experienced rolling waves, while others felt abrupt, powerful jolts. This variation reflects how seismic waves interact with different types of terrain.

Infrastructure was temporarily affected in several areas. Power outages, communication disruptions, and road blockages created initial challenges for both residents and emergency services. Transportation networks also paused for safety inspections, including airports and rail lines in northern Thailand. Read more below