A powerful earthquake that struck on March 28 has resulted in 36 confirmed deaths in Wundwin Township, Mandalay Region, with extensive damage to pagodas, roads, bridges, and buildings, according to a representative from Voice Of Wundwin. The earthquake occurred at 12:52 PM, with its epicenter located 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing city. The impact has been devastating across multiple communities within the township.
The death toll includes 17 people in Wundwin town, 10 in Thaytar town, 4 in Kywetha village, 1 in Kingyi village, 1 in Taysu village, 1 in Htihlaing village, and 2 in North Zagyan Hill village. Among the confirmed casualties in Thaytar town are U Than Zin (aka TiTi), Daw Nyo Nyo, U Nyi Nyi, teacher Daw Kyi Aye and her sister-in-law, and Shwe Lon and Athein from Thitsa Pan. Officials note that these numbers represent preliminary figures, and the death toll may increase as more information becomes available from affected areas.
The earthquake caused catastrophic damage to infrastructure throughout Wundwin Township. The textile and spinning factory was completely destroyed, while significant religious structures including the pagoda in Layemyethna village, the ancient pagoda in Kingyi village, and the Thabut Hill pagoda suffered severe damage. Transportation infrastructure was also heavily impacted, with damage reported to the old Yangon-Mandalay road, the section passing through Wundwin Township, the portion near Shwetaung, and the Myittha-Pyinsi road section. Communication lines in the region have been disrupted, making it difficult to assess the full extent of the damage. Local residents report that almost every house in the affected areas has sustained some level of damage, with very few structures remaining completely intact.
