A 12:51:02 pm local time on 28 March, a powerful earthquake and subsequent aftershocks struck, affecting Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, the northeastern part of Shan State, Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, and Bago Region. The earthquake caused damage to roads, bridges, and buildings, resulting in casualties, including fatalities and injuries among the public.
In the earthquake-affected areas, rescue and relief operations are being carried out in a timely manner through the collaboration of Tatmadaw personnel from various military commands, Myanmar Police Force members, firefighters, international rescue teams, government staff, social welfare organizations, and local residents.
Yesterday, Lt-Gen Myo Moe Aung from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army), Mandalay Region Chief Minister U Myo Aung, and Central Command Commander Brig- Gen Kyaw Ko Htaik visited Myanma Economic Bank 1/2 in Aungmyaythazan Township to inspect the smooth disbursement of salaries and pensions for civil servants. They also observed the sale of essential consumer goods at affordable prices, organized in collaboration with the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Mandalay City Development Committee at the sports ground in front of the palace in Aungmyaythazan Township.
Additionally, they visited Myat Private High School, Myotaw Mosque, Myoma Mosque, and Moekya Jamai Mosque in Sagaing to oversee ongoing search and rescue operations for those trapped in collapsed buildings, working in coordination with international rescue teams. They also paid visits to sayadaws at various monasteries in Mandalay, where they made donations of alms and other essential items.
Furthermore, they visited the Mandala Thiri Sports Ground in Mandalay to meet and greet the Russian rescue teams who had arrived to assist in relief efforts. During the visit, discussions were held to coordinate the necessary measures for effective rescue operations.
Similarly, Lt-Gen Phone Myat from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army), Commander of the Southern Command Maj-Gen Kyi Thaik, and other officials visited the areas affected by the earthquake in Toungoo. They observed the rebuilding efforts at the Wailuwun Yeiktha Monastery and Kantha public resthouse, which were severely damaged by the earthquake. They also inspected the condition of the Swa Creek Bridge, located 165th mile on the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway, which had been destroyed, as well as the ongoing repairs to the bridge. Furthermore, they visited the Lawka Marazein NandawOo Pagoda and observed the restoration work being carried out. During these visits, they coordinated the necessary actions and provided assistance where needed.
Furthermore, rescue efforts are ongoing and medical treatments are being given to injured people in the areas affected by the earthquake in Tatkon Township, Pyinmana Township, Lewe Township, and Ottarathiri Township, as well as in Housing Estate A (63 to 68) and Housing Estate A (27 to 31) in Pobbathiri Township, the People’s Hospital (300-bed) and the ancient pagodas in Bagan, restoration and rescue efforts have been carried out. In Mandalay Region, at the temporary hospital in Chanmyathazi Township, Ayeyawady Bridge (Yadanabon), and the places affected by the collapse in Chanayethazan Township. Additionally, rescue work is being carried out at places such as the Maha Muni Buddha Image and its surroundings, the Great Wall Hotel, U Hla Thein Dhamma Beikman, Sky Villa, the site of the private school in Kyaukse, TadaU Township, Myittha Township, Kume, and areas in Singaing Township.
Rescue and relief efforts are being carried out, and medical treatment provided to injured people also at the Swa Creek Bridge located the milepost 165 on the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway in Bago Region.
These activities are being closely monitored by the chief ministers of each region and state, along with the commanders of respective commands and officials. They are coordinating and ensuring the necessary actions are taken, including the provision of donations for the restoration of pagodas damaged by the earthquake and visiting those injured by the quake who are receiving treatment at hospitals to offer their support.
Additionally, charitable individuals from various regions are also assisting earthquake victims by providing food and drink, preparing meals such as rice and curry, offering clean drinking water, and donating essential items. They have also contributed monetary donations, continuing to provide support in various forms to ensure that those affected are well-cared for. — MNA/KNN
