Buddhist temple and mosque collapse in Mandalay after earthquake in Myanmar

Destructions in Myanmar. Photo: MRTV

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, causing widespread destruction, including the collapse of the iconic Mahamuni Buddha Temple in Mandalay and the Shwe Pho Shein Mosque in the Singaing township of Mandalay Region. According to the MRTV state broadcaster, 670 monasteries have also been damaged.

Part of the Buddha temple collapsed due to the force of the earthquake. Images released by MRTV show that several sections of the wall surrounding the royal palace of the last Burmese monarchy also sustained severe damage.

The earthquake struck while Muslims were praying inside the Shwe Pho Shein Mosque. According to eyewitnesses, many worshippers did not survive the collapse.

As of now, the death toll from the earthquake in Myanmar has exceeded 1,000, AFP reports, citing authorities. Myanmar Now reports around 2,400 injured. According to the latest data, 1,591 residential buildings, 670 monasteries, and 60 schools have been damaged in Mandalay and the surrounding areas. Dozens of cultural heritage sites have been severely damaged or completely destroyed.

This is the most powerful earthquake in Myanmar since 1946. The epicenter of the 7.7-magnitude quake was located west of Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city. The tremors were felt in several major cities, including the capital, Naypyidaw.

As the previously reported, in February a religious procession was held on the island of Santorini, Greece, to pray for the cessation of earthquakes.

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