In brief
A powerful earthquake rocked Myanmar on March 28, 2025, resulting in extensive destruction to cultural and religious landmarks. The latest reports indicate that over 3,000 structures were damaged, including approximately 150 mosques and pagodas. Eyewitness footage showcases the harrowing moments as centuries-old monuments succumb to the quake's force.
The earthquake primarily impacted areas southwest of Mandalay, where the Me Nu Brick Monastery, a significant 200-year-old landmark, was largely obliterated. Witnesses filmed the collapse of the Shwe Sar Yan Pagoda’s ornate spire, triggering panic among bystanders. In Mandalay, a notable pagoda tilted sharply, while nearby walls crumbled, showcasing the quake's ferocity.Elsewhere, video footage captured the despair of Buddhist monks observing the destruction of their monastery's clock tower and, moments later, watching their five-story building collapse. The Burma Human Rights Network reported fatalities from mosque collapses, with 490 confirmed deaths. Significant loss was also observed in Pindaya where ancient stupas were toppled, drawing concern from local administrator Tun Tun Aye regarding the future of the monastery. With memories of Nepal's reconstruction aftermath in 2015, Myanmar faces hurdles in establishing a coherent rebuilding effort due to its current military rule, complicating the potential for effective restoration.
