On March 28, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck in central Myanmar, with the epicenter in the city of Mandalay. The devastation in Mandalay is extremely severe, with reports of dozens of hotels collapsing and a majority of the affected individuals being Chinese nationals.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred in central Myanmar at a depth of only 10 kilometers. The quake’s epicenter was near Mandalay (North latitude 21.85 degrees, East longitude 95.95 degrees).
A Chinese merchant living near the jade market in Mandalay, Kang, shared with the media that several hotels near his location had collapsed, resulting in significant losses of lives and goods. He mentioned that most of the residents in these hotels were Chinese nationals and local people, but the exact casualties remain unknown as the city is now filled with firefighters.
Kang also described how his own hotel was tilting due to the aftershocks, forcing him to sleep in a makeshift tent by the roadside for the night, fearing to return to the unstable building.
Footage circulating online showed the collapse of the Win Star Hotel in Mandalay, with its sign lying on the ground. Mr. Wu, who frequently conducts jade business in Myanmar, noted that the hotel was popular among Chinese nationals due to its affordability and numerous rooms.
Another Chinese resident in Mandalay shared her experience of escaping falling debris while dining out during the earthquake. She witnessed several houses in the area suffering partial collapses and cracks post-earthquake.
Yang Xingji, the President of the Yunnan Chamber of Commerce in Mandalay, emphasized the extensive destruction caused by the earthquake, particularly affecting the old town area with reports of collapsed hotels. He mentioned that the newer constructions in Mandalay’s new city might have better structural integrity.
Myanmar’s national media reported on the latest figures on March 29, revealing a death toll of 1002 individuals, 2376 injured, and several people missing in the quake-affected regions.
The United States Geological Survey issued a warning, stating that Myanmar’s earthquake qualifies as a large-scale disaster, potentially impacting up to 13 million people with strong to severe shaking, and raising concerns of thousands of casualties.
UN Secretary-General Guterres expressed condolences to the Myanmar government and its people for the earthquake’s impact, announcing UN efforts to assist those in need.
Furthermore, reports from a journalist with “Chinatown Observations” based in Dehong Ruili, Yunnan, mentioned that 458 households comprising 1705 individuals were affected by the earthquake, with two minor injuries reported. Some buildings in the urban and rural areas suffered damages, but water, electricity, transportation, and communication services are gradually returning to normal.