The Myanmar Social Rescue Team – Mandalay Region Committee has confirmed that numerous monks are trapped inside the collapsed U Hla Thein Building following a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Mandalay, causing widespread destruction to many buildings. At the time of the earthquake, over 270 monks were taking their Dhammacariya and First Return examinations inside the building. Currently, more than 100 monks remain trapped, and rescue operations are actively ongoing according to rescue teams on the ground.
This year’s Dhammacariya and First Return examinations were relocated from their usual venue at No. 13 Basic Education High School to the Pariyatti Thathana Hita Association’s U Hla Thein Building. This change in venue was implemented following decisions made during the examination coordination meeting. However, today’s powerful earthquake caused the building to collapse while monks were in the middle of their examinations, leading to the current crisis situation where many remain trapped inside the structure.
Rescue operations are being jointly conducted by the Myanmar Social Rescue Team, local humanitarian organizations, and fire department personnel. The exact number of monks who have been successfully rescued thus far remains unclear, as rescue efforts continue in real-time. Rescue workers report facing significant challenges in their operations due to the building’s considerable height and size. The teams are working against time to reach those still trapped within the collapsed structure, with rescue efforts being hampered by the extensive damage and the complex nature of the building’s collapse.
