In brief
The recent earthquake in Myanmar has left a profound impact on the lives of many, including Soe Nay Oo, who lost 170 loved ones. As he struggles with his grief and guilt from being away, the ongoing humanitarian crisis continues to unfold in Sagaing and Mandalay.
In the heart of Myanmar, the call to prayer echoed through the air last Friday as hundreds of Muslims gathered in central Sagaing to observe their last Friday prayers before Eid al-Fitr. Just moments later, at 12:51 PM local time, a catastrophic earthquake shook the region, claiming countless lives with the collapse of three mosques, including the prominent Myoma mosque.Soe Nay Oo, a former imam of the Myoma mosque who now resides in Mae Sot, Thailand, was among those who felt the earthquake. As news of the disaster unfolded, he learned that approximately 170 of his relatives, friends, and former congregants had perished, primarily while praying inside the mosques. "I think about all the people who lost their lives, and the victims' children - some of them are young children," he shared, overwhelmed by grief.The toll has been staggering; over 2,700 people have lost their lives, with numbers expected to rise as rescue operations continue. In an area traditionally known for its Buddhist temples, a substantial Muslim population also calls it home. Reports indicate an estimation of 500 Muslims who perished while at prayer. Eyewitnesses describe Myoma Street, where the mosques stood, as the worst-hit location in the city, with many homes completely destroyed.In the wake of the quake, numerous survivors now find themselves without shelter, food supplies dwindling while others fear returning to their homes amid ongoing aftershocks. In Myoma, it is believed that over 60 worshippers were crushed in the mosque's collapse. Disturbing reports indicate that several individuals were found outside the main prayer hall, suggesting that many tried to escape as the mosques crumbled.Soe Nay Oo, who fled Myanmar shortly after the military coup in 2021 and moved to Thailand with his family, now faces an insurmountable loss. He mourns the passing of a beloved cousin of his wife's, describing their bond as irreplaceable. "She was the one who showed her love to us the most," he lamented.Additionally, among those who died was the only female trustee of the Myoma mosque, remembered for her generosity and commitment to the community. With each name he hears among the casualties, Soe Nay Oo experiences new depths of sorrow. "I feel devastated… it always comes to my mind, the memories I cherish of them."Despite the immense grief, Soe Nay Oo reflects on the significance of their deaths occurring during Ramadan, believing those lost will be remembered as martyrs. As the aftermath of the disaster compounds, the Muslim community in Sagaing grapples with the sheer number of dead, further complicated by ongoing violence between the military junta and resistance forces.The local cemetery is situated in an area controlled by the People's Defence Forces, leaving community members to transport bodies to the nearest mosque in Mandalay for burial – a heartbreaking process made more painful by the delay in providing last rites, contradicting Islamic traditions.Even amid personal tragedy, survivors strive to assist in rescue efforts. Soe Nay Oo is actively coordinating support and relief efforts from Thailand, despite feeling guilty for not being with his community in its time of need. "I have never felt this way before in my life," he admits, grappling with sleepless nights and a growing concern for family members still unaccounted for.Although he remains far from his congregation, Soe Nay Oo emphasizes his commitment to help wherever possible, with an estimated 1,000 Muslims in search of assistance in the wake of this disaster. Every resource shared in the name of community and support offers him a glimmer of relief amid the overwhelming sorrow.
