On March 5th morning, an earthquake measuring 5.1 magnitude struck near Nyaungdon town in Ayeyarwady Region, followed by several aftershocks, causing significant damage including the collapse of the main building of Sein Mya Kan Tha Pagoda in Myaungmya town, according to local residents. The initial earthquake occurred at 4:36 AM with a magnitude of 5.1, followed by subsequent tremors measuring 4.8 magnitude at 4:54 AM, 3.5 magnitude at 5:20 AM, and 3.1 magnitude at 5:23 AM.
The earthquake caused extensive damage to the Sein Mya Kan Tha Thatta Yana Pagoda complex, including the shattering of the main glass door in the Maha Bodhi Cave, the appearance of cracks throughout the structure, damage to the base of the main stupa, cracks in the foundation of three eastern entrance stupas, the collapse of the southeastern section of the 108-cubit pagoda, the collapse of the Amartaw Ma Mya Sein Palace brick walls, and the bursting of warehouse walls, as reported by the Sein Mya Kan Tha Pagoda trustees.
Additionally, in Myaungmya town, the Zothika Ram Monastery’s shrine room concrete slab fell, the Swun Lun Monastery’s stairway roof components collapsed causing half of the monastery’s front shelter roof to fall, and there was damage to the football field’s brick wall and parts of the Sein Hantha Monastery. The Union Thamanei Kyaw Monastery also suffered damage to some of its buildings.
Townships within Yangon Region also distinctly felt the earthquake, particularly in areas with numerous high-rise buildings such as Sanchaung, Latha, Kyauktada, and Pazundaung. Residents of high-rise buildings reported experiencing significant swaying of their buildings, with some evacuating their homes for safety. However, no injuries have been reported as of now. Local residents described feeling the initial strong tremor followed by lighter aftershocks, with high-rise buildings noticeably swaying during the earthquake.
