On March 28, a monastery serving as a shelter for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Taungoo, Bago Region, collapsed during an earthquake, resulting in the death of at least five people, including children, according to local sources. The Weluwun Monastery, which had been functioning as a refuge for those fleeing from military conflict, was occupied by numerous displaced persons when the earthquake struck. The sudden collapse trapped several people under the debris, though many managed to escape.
Local residents immediately initiated rescue operations following the collapse, working to save those trapped under the rubble. While many occupants were able to flee the building during the earthquake, several others, including children, were caught in the collapse. Local sources confirmed that at least five people, including children, lost their lives in the incident. The rescue operations continued as teams worked to reach those who might still be trapped under the debris, while medical attention was provided to the injured.
The Weluwun Monastery had been serving as a crucial shelter for internally displaced persons who had fled from military operations in their home areas. The monastery had been housing families, children, and other civilians seeking refuge from conflict. The earthquake has created additional challenges for the displaced population, with local residents expressing concern about the immediate need for alternative shelter arrangements for the surviving IDPs. The incident has further complicated the already difficult situation faced by those who had sought safety at the monastery, highlighting the vulnerabilities of displaced populations in Myanmar.
