Transform memories of suffering into remarkable strength
28 March 2025 will never be forgotten in the history of Myanmar. It has been one year since the extremely powerful Mandalay earthquake, measuring 7.7 on the magnitude scale, struck. This earthquake was one of the most devastating in the nation’s history, causing unprecedented fear and shock across generations.
As a result of the Mandalay earthquake, across 10 regions and states, including Nay Pyi Taw, there were 3,818 deaths, five missing persons, 5,104 injuries, 162,563 affected households, 424,063 affected people, and 279,111 temporarily displaced persons. The total estimated losses amounted to over K7,979 billion. The earthquake had caused extensive damage and suffering not only to the State but also to the population, making it a significant and sobering lesson for Myanmar.
Because of the extensive damage and losses, the affected areas in Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, Shan State, the Nay Pyi Taw Council territory, and Bago Region were immediately declared as emergency zones. Domestic and international assistance and support for rescue and relief operations were promptly requested and offered.
As a nation, priority was given to quickly carrying out actions such as rescuing people in collapsed buildings due to the earthquake, providing temporary shelter before rainfall, ensuring immediate access to food and clothing, restoring communications, electricity, and drinking water, reopening schools on time, and delivering healthcare services. The State provided as much support as possible to the earthquake-affected areas and the people. Well-wishers also contributed their utmost efforts and donations to help the affected population recover from the extreme difficulties caused by the disaster.
In the earthquake rescue operations, the love, compassion, bravery, unity, and dedication of the people of Myanmar represented the nation’s greatest and most honourable human resources. The entire country’s solidarity enabled the nation to overcome the tremendous challenges and difficulties caused by the disaster. In the future, these efforts will serve as a powerful driving force for the nation’s development. All the people were able to demonstrate their capabilities and contribute to helping others escape dire situations, leaving behind a legacy of courage and service that can be passed down through generations.
The government has been implementing the earthquake recovery and reconstruction according to sector, and currently, about 84 per cent of the work in each sector has been completed. In the future, the nation and the people will face all potential dangers and challenges, including those from natural disasters, hand in hand with unity and cooperation, to build a resilient and long-term developed country capable of withstanding difficulties.
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