A powerful earthquake that struck during Friday prayers has resulted in the collapse of more than 50 mosques across Myanmar, with the death toll approaching 300, according to the Muslim community. The earthquake occurred at 12:52 PM on March 29, affecting central Myanmar regions including Sagaing, Mandalay, and Yamēthin, striking at a time when Muslim worshippers were gathered for their Friday prayers. The current estimates indicate nearly 300 casualties, with the number expected to rise as many bodies remain trapped under collapsed mosque structures.
The devastation has affected numerous mosques across the country, including the Sulae Kone Mosque in Kyaukse, Taung Sint Kone Mosque, Mandalay West Sewing Mosque, Shwe Bon Hsaing Mosque, Taungoo Kan Taw Mosque, Tada-U Myit Thar Quarter Mosque, and many others. Local residents report significant challenges in rescue operations, citing difficulties in contacting rescue teams and obtaining necessary heavy machinery to remove debris. A local from Mandalay described the situation as particularly dire, with many bodies still trapped under large concrete blocks and no access to crane services for removal.
The personal accounts of survivors reveal the devastating impact on families. One survivor described losing multiple family members, including his grandmother, two uncles, and an aunt. Those who survived suffered severe injuries, but hospitals are overwhelmed and unable to provide comprehensive treatment. The survivor’s aunt, who sustained leg injuries, could only receive basic first aid and pain medication due to the overwhelming number of patients. The rapid collapse of structures during the earthquake left little time for evacuation, resulting in high casualties among those inside the mosques during prayer time.
The Muslim community is now proceeding with religious burial ceremonies for the recovered bodies according to Islamic traditions. Local communities continue their rescue efforts with limited resources, working tirelessly to reach those still trapped under the debris. The earthquake’s timing during Friday prayers, when mosques were at their fullest capacity, has contributed to the particularly high death toll and widespread devastation across the affected regions.
