RELIEF and recovery operations are actively underway in areas affected by the powerful Mandalay earthquake that recently struck Myanmar. Various organizations are working closely with locals to carry out these efforts with full strength.
Lt-Gen Thet Pon and officials from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) visited earthquake-affected religious buildings in Sagaing, including the SunU Ponnyashin Pagoda, the Rajamani Sula Kaunghmudaw Pagoda, and the Mahazedi Pagoda. They inspected restoration and reconstruction works carried out by local communities and organizations. They also observed the clearance of debris and reconstruction of monasteries, pagodas and nunneries damaged by the quake, where heavy machinery is used to speed up the work. They coordinated necessary support and offered refreshments to the workers on site.
Later, the team inspected damaged residential buildings in Sagaing city and observed the use of manpower and machinery to accelerate the clearance of debris. They coordinated and gave necessary support.
Similarly, Lt-Gen Soe Tint Naing and officials from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) visited the Maha Thetkyaranthi Kyauktawgyi Pagoda in Taungthaman Village, Amarapura Township, Mandalay, which had suffered quake-related damage. They inspected the ongoing debris clearance operations and the restoration works on the pagoda’s relic chamber, including newly discovered 219 silver and 14 gold Buddha images, holy relic bottles and other sacred relics. They also examined the repairs made to sacred statues and the structure of the pagoda and coordinated any further needs.
The team then visited the Chanthagyi Pagoda in the western part of Thirimarla Ward, Aungmyaythazan Township, which had also suffered damage from the earthquake. They observed the clearance of debris by various organisations and preparations for gilding the face of the Buddha image with gold leaf. Inside the museum, they also examined ancient Buddha statues and relics and coordinated for any necessary support.
Afterwards, they inspected the demolition of dangerous and unstable buildings in both the western and eastern parts of Thirimarlar Ward in Aungmyaythazan Township using heavy machinery. They reviewed the operations and provided the required coordination and support. — MNA/ KZL
