Natural disasters are not to tremble, but everyone must be aware of essential measures such as preparing based on reliable information and forecasts from relevant authorities, taking proper shelter, conducting timely search and rescue operations, and ensuring effective relief and rehabilitation efforts in the aftermath of incidents.

At 12:51:02 pm on 28 March, a very strong and regrettable earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 on the Richter Scale struck, centred at a depth of 10 kilometres. The epicentre was approximately 21 kilometres northeast of the Mandalay seismic station and about 20 kilometres northeast of Mandalay city, at coordinates 22.09° North Latitude and 96.23° East Longitude. Following the main quake, about three aftershocks were recorded.

A lot of buildings, including the old Sagaing Bridge across the Ayeyawady River, were damaged, leaving some casualties. Hospitals in the Mandalay and Sagaing Regions are full of patients who sustained injuries in the earthquakes as it was an unprecedented experience. These hospitals urgently need blood for patient care. Authorities have urged volunteers to donate blood to help save lives and treat the injured in time. Hence, people have to lend a helping hand to each other.

That is why the Information Team of the State Administration Council stated that the National Disaster Management Committee has declared a state of emergency in the earthquake-affected areas of Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, northeastern Shan State, Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, and Bago Region.

The government has stated that it will promptly investigate the damages and losses in the affected areas and swiftly carry out relief and rescue operations. Necessary disaster relief and humanitarian assistance will be provided for the victims. The Disaster Management Committee will also continue to release timely updates as new information becomes available, according to the information team. The people have been urged to be mindful of potential rumours and to cooperate with the national government and local authorities in disaster relief and rescue operations.

Such an earthquake jolted not only parts of Myanmar but also some areas of China, Thailand, Laos, Bangladesh, and India. Hence, local and global donors need to provide necessary aid to earthquake victims of Myanmar to help rehabilitate their lives and ensure timely medical treatment for those affected. Only when everyone is united in conducting the search, rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts in a timely manner can they overcome the challenges posed by the powerful earthquake and aftershocks, ultimately creating a safe and stable environment for the people.

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