Following the powerful earthquake that struck on March 28, approximately 80 percent of Sagaing City has been destroyed, and rescue workers have reported that decomposition odors are now emerging from beneath collapsed buildings. Current rescue operations have been unable to cover the entire city, and urgent assistance is desperately needed, according to those involved in the rescue efforts.
While local residents and available organizations are working together on rescue operations, they face significant challenges due to insufficient rescue equipment and manpower. Rescue workers have specifically highlighted that the situation is further complicated by restrictions on large crane vehicles crossing the new Sagaing Bridge. Some victims trapped under collapsed buildings have already perished due to delayed rescue efforts. According to the Fire Services Department, they have successfully rescued 36 people alive from the debris, while recovering 88 bodies of those who did not survive.
The earthquake has caused extensive damage to major buildings throughout Sagaing City, including the Parami Ward School for the Blind, nunneries, the Education College in Poe Tan Ward, Basic Education High School No. 1, Myat Private School, the City Mosque, Lay Kyun Myay Brick Monastery, the District Communications Office, Ingyin Pin Monastery, Thukha Meiktha Monastery, Htut Kaung Monastery, Yadanar Thingha Monastery, Zambudipa Monastery, and the Main Teak Monastery, along with numerous residential buildings. Local residents report that the scale of destruction has overwhelmed available rescue resources, making it impossible to conduct comprehensive search and rescue operations across all affected areas. The situation remains critical as rescue teams continue their efforts with limited resources while facing significant logistical challenges.
