A four-story building located between 39th and 40th streets on 84th Street in Mahaaungmye Township, Mandalay, which had been previously damaged by an earthquake, collapsed again around 10 AM on May 28th, according to rescue workers. The collapse resulted in one man sustaining leg injuries. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of numerous earthquake-damaged buildings still standing in the city.
According to a rescue worker, the recent collapse may have been triggered by continuous heavy rainfall in the area. The building’s owners had been unable to complete the demolition process, leaving the structure in a precarious state before its secondary collapse. There are numerous buildings throughout Mandalay that remain in a tilted and dangerous condition following the earthquake, unable to be demolished. With the rainy season approaching, there are serious concerns about the possibility of more collapses and potential casualties among the civilian population.
Local residents report that while building owners have applied to the Mandalay City Development Committee for demolition permits for their earthquake-damaged structures, they are being told to wait at least three months for approval. Furthermore, the committee appears to be prioritizing demolition services for those who can afford to pay, leaving many financially constrained property owners in a dangerous situation with their unstable buildings. These owners are forced to continue living with the constant threat of collapse, unable to secure the necessary permissions or resources for proper demolition.
The powerful earthquake that struck Mandalay on March 28th resulted in numerous civilian casualties and widespread structural damage throughout the city. Subsequent aftershocks have caused additional damage to buildings that were already compromised. With the arrival of the rainy season, there is an urgent need for authorities to take immediate action to prevent further casualties from potential building collapses. Local residents emphasize that swift intervention is crucial to ensure public safety, particularly given the large number of damaged structures still standing throughout the city that pose significant risks to the civilian population.
