Quake Aftermath in Mandalay: SAC Chairman inspects relief and rescue measures

On 28th March, a severe 7.7 magnitude earthquake and small aftershocks struck Myanmar with major damages of infrastructures and losses of lives and properties in Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, Shan State (Northeast), Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory and Bago Region. At present, rescue forces are deployed in respective earthquake hit areas to ensure the provision of requisite disaster relief and humanitarian assistance. In the morning on 29th March, Chairman of the Sate Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing accompanied by concerned officials oversaw the damages and losses caused by earthquakes in Mandalay Region by Tatmadaw aircrafts. At the central command, the Senior General heard reports on ongoing rescue and relief measures within the region and stressed on expediting systematic rescue process, requisite healthcare provisions in timely manner and fatality planning. The Prime Minister also emphasized on providing temporary shelters for the quake victims with necessary water and electricity access, speedy restoration of air transportation infrastructures for uninterrupted relief measures. The Prime Minister later oversaw the collapse of Palace Wall, damages of roads and residential buildings in downtown Mandalay as well as the collapse of Mandalay University main building and damages by fire outbreak. He also instructed to expedite the rescue measures, along with the reconstruction works. On arrival at the old airport facility in Chan Mya Thazi Township, the Prime Minister oversaw the preparations for setting up the temporary hospital to provide medical treatment to the affected victims. The Prime Minister later inspected the damages of ancient infrastructures inside the palace wall. Due to the earthquake, the clock tower and relic tower as well as Si Shay Gateway were damaged. As of Saturday evening, a total of 1,002 people reported death with more than 2,376 injured and 30 reported missing.