A powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar’s Sagaing region at 12:52 PM on March 28, with Mandalay and Sagaing cities suffering the most severe damage. Rescue workers have confirmed that emergency relief and rescue operations are urgently needed in the affected areas. The earthquake has caused significant destruction to prominent structures including the Great Wah Hotel and Myit Sone Hotel in Mandalay, along with numerous high-rise buildings in the city center. Buddhist monasteries, city wall fortifications, and historical pagodas have also sustained considerable damage.
Local humanitarian workers in Mandalay reported that several buildings have tilted and collapsed throughout the city center. There are concerns about people potentially trapped inside damaged structures, and rescue operations are currently underway. While rescue workers acknowledge their limited experience with disasters of this magnitude, they are actively working to provide necessary assistance to those affected. The historic Sagaing Bridge has completely collapsed, despite the city having fewer high-rise buildings compared to Mandalay. The Yangon-Mandalay Expressway has also sustained significant damage, particularly around mile marker 362 and along various sections of the highway.
In Aung Han area, the three-story Aung Pan Hotel has collapsed, with reports indicating that people may be trapped inside the structure. The earthquake’s impact has been particularly severe on historical and cultural sites, with damage reported to numerous religious structures and heritage buildings throughout the affected region. Local rescue teams are coordinating their efforts to reach those in need, though they face significant challenges due to the widespread nature of the damage and the potential for aftershocks.
