Tragedy Strikes Myanmar: Earthquake Claims Hundreds
In a devastating turn of events, a powerful earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, claiming the lives of over 2,700 people, including many worshippers at local mosques. The quake, which hit just before the end of Ramadan, caused significant destruction in Sagaing and Mandalay, with the Myoma mosque suffering catastrophic damage. Survivors and relatives of the victims are grappling with immense loss as rescue efforts continue amidst ongoing political turmoil.
Earthquake Devastates Central Myanmar
On Friday, as the call to prayer echoed through Sagaing, hundreds of Muslims gathered at five local mosques for their final Friday prayers of Ramadan. Tragically, at 12:51 PM local time, a powerful earthquake struck, leading to the collapse of three mosques, including the largest, Myoma. Eyewitness accounts reveal that many worshippers were trapped inside as the buildings crumbled. The quake’s epicenter was near Sagaing and Mandalay, two cities known for their rich cultural heritage, including ancient Buddhist temples and a significant Muslim population.
Former Myoma mosque imam Soe Nay Oo, now residing in Thailand, felt the tremors and soon learned that approximately 170 of his relatives, friends, and former congregation members perished in the disaster. “I can’t hold back my tears when I talk about this,” he shared, reflecting on the profound loss experienced by his community. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams continue to search through the rubble for survivors.
Community in Mourning
The earthquake has left the Muslim community in Sagaing reeling. An estimated 500 Muslims died while praying in their mosques, according to Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing. The area around Myoma Street, where the mosques were located, was particularly hard-hit, with many homes also collapsing. Survivors have been forced to seek shelter outdoors, fearing aftershocks and facing shortages of food and basic supplies.
Reports indicate that many worshippers attempted to escape the collapsing structures. Soe Nay Oo received accounts from survivors who described harrowing scenes, including bodies found outside the main prayer hall and others clutching hands in a desperate bid to save one another. The emotional toll on the community is immense, as they mourn not only the loss of life but also the destruction of their places of worship.
Personal Loss and Survivor’s Guilt
Soe Nay Oo’s personal grief is compounded by the loss of loved ones, including his wife’s cousins and close friends. He described the death of one cousin as “the most painful thing” he has endured in his 13 years as an imam. The community’s sorrow is palpable, with many expressing feelings of survivor’s guilt, especially those who have fled Myanmar and are unable to return to help their families.
As the community struggles to cope with the aftermath of the earthquake, they face additional challenges due to ongoing conflict between the military junta and resistance groups. The local Muslim cemetery is inaccessible, forcing families to transport bodies to Mandalay for burial, often delaying the process beyond the traditional 24-hour timeframe required by Islamic customs. “For Muslims, it is the saddest thing that we cannot bury our families by ourselves,” Soe Nay Oo lamented.
Rescue Efforts Amidst Chaos
In the wake of the disaster, Soe Nay Oo has paused his work with a human rights organization in Thailand to assist with rescue efforts in Sagaing. He is coordinating information sharing with contacts in the area and estimates that at least 1,000 Muslims are in urgent need of assistance. Despite the overwhelming grief, he finds solace in being able to help those still in need. “I feel relief only whenever somebody on the ground asks for help, and I can help them,” he stated.
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