A powerful earthquake that struck central Myanmar in late March has left a trail of destruction, grief, and heroic civilian effort in its wake. Reporting from the heart of the disaster zone, a Mohinga Matters journalist chronicles the chaos, loss, and resilience encountered on a perilous journey from Yangon to the quake-ravaged cities of Mandalay and Sagaing.
The report titled Myanmar Earthquake Reporting Diary details the devastation as well as local responses.
The quake caused widespread devastation across Mandalay and Naypyidaw, toppling buildings, damaging bridges, and overwhelming the already fragile infrastructure. The control tower at Naypyidaw airport collapsed, killing all inside, and major highways became impassable beyond mile 138. Local residents responded by improvised road warnings with branches and debris.
In Mandalay, rescue efforts unfolded under harrowing conditions. The collapse of the Sky Villa condominium became a symbol of both despair and hope. While Myanmar volunteers dug feverishly by hand, an international Chinese team provided technical support. One dramatic rescue saved a maid trapped under rubble, although the building’s wealthy owner was not as fortunate.
Night after night, survivors and journalists alike slept in open fields, fearful of aftershocks. Aid efforts were led overwhelmingly by civilians, as the military remained conspicuously inactive or focused on restricting movement. A poignant scene unfolded in Sagaing, where a mother pleaded with foreign rescue teams to continue searching for her husband and children despite the danger.
Disaster compounded disaster when a violent thunderstorm destroyed makeshift shelters of quake victims. In its aftermath, military forces moved in—not to assist—but to clear the remnants, taking advantage of the storm to erase public encampments.
The journalist’s final reflections are chilling: in Myanmar, survival depends less on official guidance and more on instinct and community. “We have every piece of equipment to kill people, but zero equipment to save lives,” one social media post grimly summarized.
While the world’s attention fades, survivors remain in ruin. Their endurance amid loss, fear, and neglect is a quiet but resolute act of defiance in a nation where the people, not the regime, continue to show up when it matters most.
