Rescue operations are continuing for people trapped inside the Sky Villa Condominium in Mandalay following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck on March 28. The rescue efforts, taking place at the collapsed building located between 22nd and 23rd streets on 60th Road in Aungmyethazan Township, have been hampered by continuous aftershocks and insufficient rescue personnel and equipment. Rescue workers report that the challenging conditions have slowed their ability to reach those still trapped inside the structure.
The Sky Villa Condominium, originally an 11-story building, has suffered severe structural damage with its central and western sections completely collapsed. The front section now stands at only 7 floors, while the bottom 4 floors have sunk into the ground. Rescue workers continue to hear calls for help from those trapped inside well into the night, including voices of two children, a woman, and an elderly person. The difficult rescue operation has been complicated by the ongoing aftershocks, fallen debris, metal structures, and limited rescue equipment and personnel available at the scene.
The earthquake has caused widespread destruction across Mandalay, Sagaing, Aungban, and Naypyidaw, with Mandalay suffering the most severe impact. Current casualties stand at 144 deaths and 732 injuries. The breakdown of casualties includes 96 deaths in Naypyidaw Council Territory, 18 in Sagaing, and 30 in Kyaukse. Among the injured, 432 are in Naypyidaw, 300 in Sagaing, while the number in Kyaukse is still being assessed. Officials expect these numbers to rise as rescue operations continue. The earthquake has resulted in numerous buildings collapsing across these regions, with many people still trapped in various structures, particularly in Mandalay where the damage has been most severe.
