Myanmar’s military junta, which seized power in a 2021 coup, is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that struck on Friday. This 7.7 magnitude quake has destroyed the region’s communications and transport infrastructure. This widespread destruction complicates the process of assessing just how much damage has been done to a country likewise destroyed by civil war. With a release of energy estimated to be “334 atomic bombs worth” by one geologist, the quake hit right in the epicenter of Myanmar. The official death toll has risen above 1,000, with many thousands more injured according to local officials.
The city of Mandalay, with more than 1.5 million people, experienced widespread devastation. Mustard-colored homes, white-walled offices, brightly colored mosques and monasteries all gave way to the quake’s might. Then roads leading into the city have been ruptured, making already isolated areas even worse. Mandalay and the Sagaing region’s hospitals are overwhelmed with injured civilians. We are having to deny patients because there are too many deaths.
International Aid and Local Desperation
In an unusual move, Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing quickly requested foreign aid to assist in the country’s recovery efforts. Other countries in the region quickly reacted, sending rescue crews and relief material on Saturday. China was the first responder, flying relief supplies into Yangon, Myanmar’s commercial capital.
These international efforts have been slowing the tide, but the bottom line for many survivors is still grim. After the earthquake in Mandalay, one woman explained that it felt like it came down “very strong and very fast.” Thousands of buildings pancaked in on themselves, trapping their occupants within and burying many under rubble. One mosque just east of the border reported more than 200 injuries as worshippers flocked for Friday prayers.
“When the buildings collapsed, many Muslims got trapped inside, causing casualties and deaths… In one mosque, there are more than a hundred injured.” – Anonymous source
Destruction in Rural Areas
The Sagaing region, lauded for their historical, agrarian beauty, was most devastated. Building wooden and thatched houses—common dwellings here—amplifies the destruction. Local residents have already stated that they cannot reach medical care because of the level of damage to roads and the acute saturation of hospitals.
A previous attorney who was an irreplaceable person in Yangon mourned after losing three family members in the calamity. He said his family has not been able to retrieve their bodies from the debris.
“Until now, we have not been able to recover their dead bodies from rubble.” – A former lawyer in Yangon
Emergency services, including mobile/satellite clinics, are met with hurdles in reaching remote areas where infrastructure has been severely impacted. The immediate need for shelter, food, and medical care continues to grow as rescue teams work tirelessly to reach those in isolated communities.
Personal Testimonies Emerge
Personal stories from those who survived continue to come out from the areas devastated by the earthquake. One person described the horrifying close call when an embankment washed out a fence into their yard—pinning them inside their home until neighbors found and extracted them.
“The door couldn’t open as a fence had collapsed onto it. I shouted out for help and my husband came in from the street. He jumped on the door and managed to open it.” – Anonymous source
In yet another recounting of this story, a disaster was just barely sidestepped as many nuns were cut by the flying debris of falling buildings.
“Luckily no one died, but two were badly wounded. One of my nieces aged 11 lost three toes and another nun had her head broken as well as one of her legs.” – Anonymous source
