A powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck central Myanmar near Sagaing at midday on March 28, causing widespread devastation and claiming at least 1,002 lives, according to data released by the military junta.
The quake resulted in severe damage in Mandalay, Naypyidaw, and Sagaing Region, with reports indicating 2,376 injuries and at least 90 people still missing.
Mandalay suffered the highest casualties, with 694 confirmed deaths, 1,640 injured, and over 60 people missing. A witness who survived the collapse of the Shwe Phone Shine Mosque in Mandalay described the chaos: “It was Friday, and many people were gathered for prayer. The mosque had not been renovated for some time. Suddenly, we heard a loud rumbling, and then it collapsed. We only realized what had happened once everything became silent.”
Religious sites were among the worst affected, with mosques in Taungoo and Mandalay collapsing during prayer time, resulting in at least 30 deaths, according to reports from the ground.
The earthquake also caused destruction to highways, schools, pagodas, hotels, residential buildings, and high-rise structures. Airports in Naypyidaw and Mandalay sustained damage as well.
According to the junta’s data, in Mandalay alone, the earthquake destroyed 1,591 homes, 670 Buddhist monasteries, 60 schools, three bridges, and 290 pagodas.
Rescue efforts by the junta and local humanitarian groups are ongoing as authorities continue searching for missing persons.
Several countries, including India, China, Russia, Taiwan, and the United States, have announced plans to provide aid for Myanmar’s earthquake disaster.
A report from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that the earthquake’s total death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000, with potential economic losses reaching up to 70% of Myanmar’s GDP, according to Reuters.
