By April Son
THE day on 28 March 2025 was an unforgettable day for all citizens of Myanmar. Ten minutes to 1 pm on that day, a devastating earthquake jolted Mandalay Region, Sagaing Region, Shan State, Nay Pyi Taw Council Area and Bago Region, resulting in several casualties.
The
Mandalay earthquake measured 7.7 on the Richter scale. Among the earthquakes
that have occurred since the 1900s, this is the second most powerful. Out of
the 18 significant quakes we’ve experienced, the one in 1912 was the strongest,
at 8.0 on the Richter scale. This recent earthquake was extremely powerful and
caused significant loss and damage. Over 3,700 people have died, and more than
5,000 were injured. About 70 people are still missing. Around 67,000 homes have
been destroyed. Approximately 6,400 schools and around 350 hospitals and
clinics were damaged. Many roads and bridges have also been destroyed. This
article aims to commemorate the powerful Mandalay earthquake that struck on 28
March 2025 and to draw as many lessons as possible from the event.
Indeed,
everybody can see that all-powerful earthquakes can destroy small and large
infrastructures. It will be a dreadful occurrence which can leave deaths and
injuries to people from the quake-affected areas. Whenever natural disasters
hit any area of all countries worldwide, they will perform search and rescue
operations to save survivors from the scenes as much as possible. As one more
step, international rescue teams will rush to the scenes on the humanitarian
ground to save the people in rescue operations, applying their experiences. So,
the Myanmar people acknowledged gratitude to foreign rescue squads and medical
teams which helped quake-affected people in the recent earthquake.
It
is undeniable that the devastating Mandalay earthquake has brought about
immense losses for Myanmar. Alongside the tragic loss of thousands of lives,
countless others were injured — an event that will never be forgotten in the
nation’s history. In addition to the loss of life, homes, buildings, and
infrastructure were reduced to rubble, resulting in financial losses amounting
to K3,629.288 billion.
As
Myanmar citizens, we suffered significant losses due to the major Mandalay
earthquake. That tragedy has served as a warning light, reminding us to
construct our homes and buildings according to proper standards and
regulations. The earthquake has shown us the importance of systematic and
standardized construction so that if a similar powerful quake strikes in the
future, we will not face such severe destruction again. This earthquake has
served as a wake-up call, urging us to be more cautious and build properly. In
this sense, the devastating earthquake has also provided an opportunity — a
critical lesson — to help prevent further loss of lives within Myanmar society Due
to the major earthquake, both ancient and modern buildings were extensively
damaged and collapsed across the affected areas. The debris from the collapsed
structures must be cleared to ensure the safety of residents. Among the
collapsed buildings are cultural heritage sites, religious structures, and
infrastructure such as roads and bridges used by the public.
If
some of these heritage structures — which have stood for many years — have
collapsed but are located in areas that do not pose a significant risk to
surrounding communities, they can be preserved in their damaged state. These
ruins, created by the powerful earthquake of 2025, could be maintained as
historical remnants. In doing so, they could become memorable landmarks that
attract both domestic and international tourists as a form of remembrance of
the earthquake. This can be considered one of the positive outcomes resulting from
the major earthquake.
We
must possess the ability to transform a major earthquake into a blessing for
the nation. For example, the historic Sagaing (Inwa) Bridge, whose arches have
collapsed into the Ayeyawady River, once served as a vital crossing for
citizens, easing transportation across the river. This bridge, which withstood
the impacts of world wars, stood for many years as a valuable and essential
piece of infrastructure for Myanmar.
However,
the earthquake did not choose what was important or not — it brought down even
this priceless bridge. Due to the collapse of the bridge’s arches into the
Ayeyawady River, it has become necessary to locate and remove the fallen bridge
spans in areas where water navigation cannot be blocked, ensuring the safety of
boats and ships passing through. Since the river route must not be obstructed,
removing the debris is the right course of action. Only when the waterway is
clear can passengers and goods travel safely and without risk.
This
is merely a proposal aimed at the development of the tourism industry. The
intention is that if there are prominent structures like this large bridge that
the Mandalay earthquake has damaged, they should be repaired. At the same time,
certain parts can be left in their damaged state as a memorial to the major
earthquake, so that future generations can learn from it. This approach would
benefit both historical preservation and the tourism industry. During an
inspection of the damage caused by the Mandalay earthquake, the Head of State
instructed that the Sagaing Bridge (Inwa) be repaired to restore smooth and
efficient transportation for the public. Therefore, repairing the Sagaing
Bridge (Inwa) is necessary.
A
similar site is the historic Mandalay University, which has existed for over a
hundred years. The 2025 Mandalay earthquake did not spare the university, which
is home to many centuries-old buildings. The quake caused damage to the
university’s dormitories. To ensure that students can continue their studies
without difficulty, authorities are making strong efforts to repair and
rebuild. Debris is being cleared away. Tatmadaw members, members of the Myanmar
police force, firefighters, departmental staff, members of social organizations,
and residents are all participating in the restoration efforts to prepare the
buildings of the university for the opening of the 2025-26 academic year.
While
the restoration and clearing efforts are underway, it would be highly
appropriate to preserve one or two earthquake-damaged buildings – without
repairing or altering their original damaged state – as memorials of the
powerful earthquake that struck the area. These preserved structures should be
located in places where they pose no danger to the students moving around the
campus. If designated as part of the university and earthquake history, they
would serve as meaningful reminders for future generations. These ruins would visually
convey how Mandalay University experienced the great Mandalay earthquake, and
in comparison to newly constructed buildings, they would demonstrate the
resilience and struggle of construction during that time as a piece of living
history.
Even
now, the century-old Mandalay University continues to attract tourists, and
with its earthquake-damaged buildings, it is likely to draw even more visitors.
As there are many travellers around the world who wish to explore Myanmar’s
cultural heritage and its unique and remarkable sites, this historic university
will significantly contribute to the development of Myanmar’s tourism industry.
No
one wishes to experience the devastating effects of natural disasters. Everyone
tries their best to prevent and avoid them. People fear natural disasters and
take all possible precautions to protect their lives and property from damage
or loss. Natural disasters are often more powerful than humans, so we must rely
not only on our physical strength but also on our intelligence and knowledge to
overcome nature’s challenges. Even when complete victory is not possible, we
strive to minimize damage and loss, carefully planning and making efforts to
overcome the challenges as effectively as we can.
Moreover,
it is only human beings who can extract the maximum benefit from the natural
forces that pose dangers to us and work to advance the well-being of humanity.
After a natural disaster occurs, it is humans alone who are capable of
analyzing how to prevent and overcome similar future events, and of devising
protective measures. Truly experiencing a natural disaster is not something to
be wished for. Natural disasters tend to occur unexpectedly, at unforeseen
times and places, so constant vigilance and preparedness are necessary.
Even
with such vigilance, human lives, homes, and possessions are often lost.
Parents, siblings, and relatives may perish in natural disasters. Parts of the
human body may be lost or damaged. Therefore, it is the responsibility of human
beings to transform these highly dangerous, unwelcome natural disasters into
events from which society can gain some form of benefit or lesson.
#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar
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