In Pyawbwe city, Mandalay Region, local residents report that the death toll has exceeded 160 following the powerful earthquake that struck on March 28, with community-led search and rescue operations still ongoing. The earthquake caused numerous building collapses throughout Pyawbwe city, resulting in hundreds of civilian casualties. The most devastating incidents occurred at the KBZ Bank building and a mosque, which accounted for the highest number of fatalities.
The five-story KBZ Bank building suffered catastrophic damage, with three floors sinking underground, leaving only two floors above ground. When the building collapsed, 11 bank employees and over 30 customers who were conducting transactions became trapped in the sunken floors. On March 28, rescuers managed to extract 17 people, of whom 15 were found alive while two were deceased. On March 29, two more victims were recovered, but both had already passed away. Another deceased victim was retrieved on March 30. The collapse of the nearby mosque resulted in over 30 fatalities among Muslim worshippers. The area around Pyawbwe City Market also saw numerous casualties due to the collapse of old buildings that were unable to withstand the earthquake’s force.
Currently, local residents are continuing their self-organized efforts to clear debris and conduct rescue operations without significant external support. The earthquake has caused extensive damage to infrastructure and buildings throughout the city, creating an urgent need for emergency assistance. However, the delivery of aid faces considerable challenges under the military council’s administration. The community has demonstrated remarkable resilience in organizing their own rescue and recovery efforts, though they continue to face significant obstacles in accessing the resources and support needed for a comprehensive disaster response.
