TAIPEI (TVBS News) — No Taiwanese tour groups have been affected by the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday (March 28) afternoon, Taiwan's Tourism Administration (觀光署) confirmed after conducting a rapid assessment of potential impacts on citizens traveling abroad. Officials maintained close communication with the Travel Agent Association (旅行業公協會) and major tour operators throughout the day, establishing a monitoring protocol as aftershocks continued to ripple through the region.
The seismic event unleashed two consecutive powerful tremors centered in Myanmar at 2:20 p.m. local time, with the primary shock measuring 7.7 in magnitude followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock. Both quakes originated at shallow depths of just 10 kilometers beneath the surface, amplifying their intensity and impact radius. The powerful seismic waves propagated across national boundaries, causing alarming building oscillations in major Thai cities and sending residents and tourists rushing into streets for safety.
Taiwan's flag carrier China Airlines (華航) issued a statement confirming that its operations at airports in Myanmar and Thailand continue to function normally despite the seismic activity. The airline cautioned that passengers might experience some scheduling adjustments as regional air traffic control systems implement post-earthquake safety protocols. Emphasizing its unwavering commitment to passenger safety, the carrier advised travelers with upcoming itineraries in the affected region to remain vigilant and maintain contact with the airline's customer service representatives for the latest flight information.
Taiwan's Central Weather Administration's Seismological Center (氣象署地震測報中心) provided scientific context for the event, explaining that the powerful quakes exemplify the ongoing tectonic drama beneath the Himalayan region. The tremors resulted from the continuous collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates, which are converging at the remarkable rate of 40 to 50 millimeters annually — a geological confrontation that has created both the world's highest mountain ranges and one of its most seismically volatile regions. Authorities urged Taiwanese citizens in or planning travel to the affected areas to maintain heightened awareness and follow local emergency guidelines as the seismic sequence continues to unfold.
