THE earthquake that struck Mandalay on 28 March 2025 stands as the second most powerful and the deadliest in Myanmar’s history. As of 18 April, official reports confirmed 3,668 deaths, 4,824 injuries, and 126 people still missing. The destruction is deeply heartbreaking, and it underscores the urgent need to prepare more effectively for future disasters.

Although Myanmar’s building codes require structures to withstand earthquakes up to magnitude 8, many buildings have not been constructed to this standard. Consequently, these buildings suffered severe damage, resulting in unnecessary injuries and deaths. In response, authorities have reinforced the mandate that all new structures must meet the minimum requirement of resisting magnitude 8 quakes.

The Mandalay quake re­vealed serious shortcomings in construction practices over the years. High-rise buildings constructed with proper en­gineering methods generally suffered only minor damage. However, those built without adhering to standard safety protocols collapsed completely, causing heavy casualties and destruction. This loss could have been avoided with strict­er compliance and oversight.

A strong example of suc­cessful earthquake-resistant design is the Maravijaya Bud­dha Image and its throne in Nay Pyi Taw, which emerged from the quake undamaged. Minor damage occurred at other religious buildings, but overall, the structures built with long-term durability and disaster resilience in mind proved their worth. The use of modern engineering and planning ensured the integrity of these significant monuments.

To minimize future loss, construction must be carried out with systematic planning and close adherence to safety standards. Gov­ernment bodies responsible for approving building projects have already set clear requirements for design, materials, and execution. These guidelines must be followed not only before construction but throughout the building process. Once completed, structures must be inspected to ensure compliance. If violations are found, appropriate action must be taken.

Responsibility lies not only with construction companies but also with the inspectors and authorities overseeing these projects. While some contractors follow proper procedures and work with qualified professionals, others cut corners in pursuit of profit, leading to tragic outcomes. Using unqualified workers or ignoring building standards puts countless lives at risk. As such, those responsible for the construction field have to consider that their unprofessional actions can lead to regrettable casualties for residents.

This earthquake serves as a stark reminder: negligence in construction has devastating consequences. Going forward, all stakeholders – from builders to inspectors – must uphold quality and safety at every stage. Only through systematic and responsible construction can Myanmar protect its people and infrastructure from future disasters.