According to military sources, approximately 100 soldiers may have died after military buildings collapsed in Naypyidaw due to an earthquake, as revealed by Captain Zin Yaw, who has defected from the military. The Sagaing earthquake caused military buildings in Naypyidaw to collapse, with at least 100 soldiers likely dead in the military compound, and around 1,000 injured personnel overwhelming the 1,000-bed hospital’s capacity, according to Captain Zin Yaw’s detailed explanation.
The current military leadership is only allowing their trusted units to conduct clearance operations of the damaged areas, restricting access to other military units. The collapse of military buildings was attributed to corruption and theft of materials by military engineering units (GE), as well as rushed construction practices. Captain Zin Yaw also indicated that the secret tunnels in Naypyidaw are at high risk of collapse due to the recent earthquake activities.
The buildings had shown signs of structural weakness even before the military coup, partly due to theft of materials by military engineering units. Buildings constructed through the contract system were particularly vulnerable due to rushed construction methods. Notably, the large red archway in Naypyidaw was hastily constructed for Armed Forces Day, initially decorated with temporary metal sheets before being properly finished with concrete later, as explained by Captain Zin Yaw.
The collapsed buildings included important military facilities and bunkers used by military leaders including Min Aung Hlaing and Soe Win, as well as storage facilities for reserve military equipment, ammunition, and weapons. Analysts suggest that the destruction of these critical military installations due to the earthquake could have significant implications for military operations. The extensive damage to military infrastructure represents a substantial blow to the military’s operational capabilities and strategic resources.
