THE powerful earthquake that struck central Myanmar on 28 March 2025 is an unprecedented disaster in the nation’s history. Although Myanmar experienced powerful earthquakes in the 20th century, some generations have never faced such a dreadful event in their lifetime.
During the 20th century, a total of 18 recordable earthquakes occurred in Myanmar. The most powerful on record was the 8.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Maymyo (now PyinOoLwin) on 13 May 1912. Apart from that, the earthquake that shook central Myanmar on 28 March 2025 was the most devastating. This is due to the great fault running from north to south through the middle of Myanmar, which may generate future earthquakes.
According to international media, the energy released by the 28-March earthquake in Myanmar was equivalent to the explosion of 334 atomic bombs. This devastating event caused significant loss and damage across the country, particularly affecting Myanmar’s irreplaceable cultural heritage in Mandalay, Sagaing, and Inwa.
As soon as they became aware, international countries dispatched their rescue teams and humanitarian aid to Myanmar to carry out rescue and relief operations as quickly as possible to save earthquake victims. However, time constraints and the unprecedented destruction of buildings posed significant challenges for the rescue teams. Nevertheless, they managed to save lives one after another using modern equipment. Meanwhile, the humanitarian aid they provided became a crucial resource for the quake-affected victims, helping to address their basic needs.
Everyone knows that rescuing victims from damaged buildings is highly dangerous. Therefore, rescuers take precautions to ensure their actions are safe, not only for themselves but also for the victims. Thanks to rescue operations, Myanmar volunteers and rescuers have the chance to learn the techniques of foreign rescuers. Regardless, these rescuers and technicians from foreign countries are neither relatives nor siblings of the Myanmar people. Yet, they carry out rescue and relief operations in Myanmar’s affected areas purely on humanitarian grounds and with great sympathy.
Hence, the people of Myanmar will never forget the remarkable efforts of foreign rescuers and technicians and will remain grateful to the Heads of State and Governments of the respective countries that deployed their rescue teams with deep compassion for Myanmar. As such, the people of Myanmar take pride in the unforgettable contributions of these foreign rescuers and technicians in saving lives during the devastating earthquake. Moreover, Myanmar people will never forget the gratitude of those rescuers and technicians for their lifetime.
