On March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar’s Sagaing Region, near the city of Mandalay, causing widespread devastation. Although myself and the rest of U.S. Embassy Rangoon were unharmed during the events, the same could not be said for tens of thousands of people that were injured, lost their lives, or their livelihood in the events.
Why Mandalay Matters
Mandalay is one of Myanmar’s most significant cities, both historically and economically. As the country’s second-largest city and former royal capital, it serves as a major cultural, religious, and commercial hub. Home to ancient Buddhist temples, monasteries, and artisans, Mandalay is a symbol of Myanmar’s rich heritage. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, with bustling trade routes connecting central Myanmar to China and India. The earthquake’s impact on this vital city is a major setback for the entire nation, affecting not only the local population but also Myanmar’s broader economic and cultural landscape.
I was fortunate enough to visit in fall 2024, and words can’t describe how beautiful this place is.
Myanmar as a whole is a magical place full of preserved cultural richness that hasn’t been impacted or touched by the crush of tourists you see across much of Southeast Asia. The people here have lived through so much even prior to the earthquake, and this just compounds on their hardship, and still, you will find the citizens of this country some of the nicest, most generous people on the planet. It breaks my heart to see these wonderful people have to endure such hardship, but as they always have done, they will endure.
How You Can Help
- Donate to Reputable Organizations
- Organizations like the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Oxfam are providing medical aid, food, clean water, and shelter.
- Consider donating to the Red Cross.
- Spread Awareness
- Keeping global attention on the crisis ensures continued funding and aid. Share verified updates and encourage others to contribute. It felt like within days of the earthquake occurring, Western Media stopped caring about Myanmar, and was more concerned with viral videos of rooftop swimming pools in Bangkok spilling water onto the streets.
- Support Long-Term Recovery
- Rebuilding Mandalay and the affected regions will take years. Continued support for humanitarian organizations will be essential in restoring homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
