The Myanmar Fire Services Department has confirmed that a child and an adult male died when a large cocoa tree fell at an earthquake relief camp in Mandalay’s Maha Aung Myay Township. The incident occurred at approximately 00:30 AM on May 18 at the Abhayarama Golden Cave Monastery, located at the corner of 41st and 89th streets in Sein Pan Ward, where earthquake victims were temporarily sheltering. The tree, measuring approximately 5 feet in circumference and 40 feet in length, uprooted and fell onto temporary shelters after heavy rainfall had softened the ground, causing the tragic incident.
According to local residents, the cocoa tree was already quite old and had shown signs of instability during recent storms, with branches falling off during previous periods of heavy rain and strong winds. The combination of continuous rainfall that had saturated the soil, along with the lingering effects of earthquake damage, ultimately led to the tree’s complete collapse. Rescue teams immediately responded to the scene and, during the clearing operation of the fallen tree, discovered the bodies of a child and an adult male who had been crushed under the weight of the tree as it fell onto their temporary shelter.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by residents of Mandalay following the powerful earthquake that struck on March 28. Many citizens are still unable to return to their original homes due to structural damage and continue to rely on temporary relief camps for shelter. While aid continues to be provided to earthquake victims, the reconstruction of permanent housing remains a significant challenge. The arrival of the rainy season has created additional concerns for those living in temporary shelters, with local residents expressing worry about further complications that may arise for the displaced population during this period. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by those still living in temporary accommodations following the earthquake.
