By MPA
A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake, centred in central Myanmar, struck on March 28th, causing widespread devastation and testing the resilience of the nation. The tremor, dubbed the “Mandalay earthquake” by the ruling military council, was felt not only within Myanmar but also in neighbouring Thailand and China, where casualties were also reported.
While independent media outlets reported over 4,000 deaths in Myanmar, the military council’s statement on April 25th put the figure at 3,737. Beyond the tragic loss of life, the earthquake inflicted irreparable damage on the country’s rich cultural heritage. According to the junta’s data, 6,031 pagodas, 5,093 religious buildings, 5,033 government offices, 2,277 schools, and 640 hospitals and clinics were damaged.
Discrepancies also emerged in the assessment of the affected population. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) estimated over nine million people were severely impacted. In contrast, the military council’s Disaster Management Committee (DMC) reported 629,206 individuals from 128,965 households across ten regions and states, including the capital Naypyidaw, were affected.
Despite the widespread impact across ten regions and states, Sagaing and Mandalay bore the brunt of the disaster. Independent media sources indicated that over 2,000 fatalities occurred in Mandalay city alone, out of the reported total exceeding 4,000. In Sagaing, approximately 90% of the buildings in the main city were either completely destroyed or severely cracked.
Compounding the earthquake’s impact, residents of these hard-hit areas faced subsequent heavy rainfall and strong winds in the second week of April. Displaced individuals, many sheltering in open spaces like fields and beside damaged buildings, were forced to seek refuge under unstable structures to escape the downpours.
Save the Children, in a statement released on April 24th, highlighted that around 200,000 people were displaced by the earthquake, with an estimated 42,000 women and children still living in makeshift shelters and under tarpaulins. These temporary accommodations offer little protection against heavy rain and extreme heat.
Observations of the relief efforts reveal a significant reliance on international aid and community-to-community support, often exceeding the assistance provided by the military council.
The earthquake’s epicentre was traced to the Sagaing Fault, a major geological fault line stretching from near Putao in Kachin State in the north to the Gulf of Mottama in the south. This fault line is notorious for causing significant seismic activity in Myanmar.
Other major earthquake fault lines in Myanmar include the Kabaw Fault near Kalewa in Sagaing Region, the Kyaukkyan Fault running north-south near Pyin Oo Lwin and Taunggyi, and the Moe Meik Fault in northern Shan State. The presence of numerous smaller fault lines further underscores Myanmar’s vulnerability to earthquakes.
The recent powerful tremor on the Sagaing Fault originated in its central section. However, areas along the fault line, including Tagoung, Inndawgyi, Myitkyina, Kamaing, and Putao in the north, as well as Bago and Yangon in the south, remain at risk of future seismic events.
Furthermore, the memory of Myanmar’s most powerful recorded earthquake, the 1912 Maymyo (now Pyin Oo Lwin) earthquake, initially estimated at magnitude 8.0 on the Kyaukkyan Fault (later revised by experts to 7.7), serves as a stark reminder. Over a century has passed since this event, raising concerns about the potential for another significant earthquake along this fault line.
Earthquakes occur when two tectonic plates collide, forcing one beneath the other. The overlying plate buckles under the pressure, accumulating stress that is suddenly released, causing the ground to shake.
Beyond natural causes, human activities can also contribute to seismic events. Excessive groundwater extraction and natural gas exploration can alter the pressure within the Earth’s crust, potentially triggering earthquakes by destabilizing rock formations and increasing friction between tectonic plates.
The people of Myanmar face immense challenges as they strive to rebuild their shattered homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. This devastating earthquake has placed an additional burden on communities already grappling with conflict and economic hardship.
In the immediate aftermath, many sought refuge in temporary camps and under makeshift shelters. Local NGOs, charities, and religious organizations played a crucial role in providing frontline assistance, demonstrating a strong spirit of solidarity. While the flow of international aid has been somewhat restricted, efforts are underway to reach those in need.
The earthquake has severely impacted the local economy, with markets, shops, and small businesses destroyed. Amidst a generally unstable economic climate, the prices of essential goods in the affected areas have surged, making it even harder for people to afford basic necessities.
The destruction of hospitals and clinics has crippled the healthcare system. While emergency medical services are available, providing care for chronic conditions and those with disabilities remains a significant challenge.
The psychological toll is also profound. Those who have lost loved ones and friends are grappling with grief while trying to rebuild their lives. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable and face ongoing fear of aftershocks.
The reconstruction of essential infrastructure is a slow and incomplete process. Roads, bridges, and water supply systems are often operating with temporary repairs. Schools are attempting to reopen, often without proper shelter.
Despite these immense challenges, the spirit of the Myanmar people remains unbroken. Local communities have rallied together to support one another, and rebuilding efforts continue, often driven by limited resources and immense determination.
While international assistance trickles in, the support from the military council has been notably limited. The resilience and mutual aid within local communities offer a beacon of hope as the affected regions slowly begin the long journey towards recovery.
The road to recovery for the people of Myanmar remains long. Faced with daily struggles for survival, limited resources, and an uncertain future, their enduring spirit and reliance on each other continue to drive their efforts to overcome adversity.
In essence, while the people of Myanmar remain vulnerable to natural disasters, their resilience and the strength of their community bonds are proving to be powerful forces in the face of such devastating events.
