In brief
As Myanmar's central city of Sagaing experienced an earthquake on Friday, a gathering of hundreds at local mosques turned into a disaster as several buildings collapsed. The former imam of Myoma mosque, Soe Nay Oo, now residing in Thailand, mourns the substantial loss of his community, expressing his heartache for the victims and their families, many of whom were his loved ones.
On a fateful Friday in Sagaing, as the sun illuminated the skies, Muslims flocked to five mosques to attend their last Friday prayers during the holy month of Ramadan. At 12:51 p.m. local time, the ground shook violently, resulting in the collapse of three mosques, with Myoma mosque bearing the brunt of the destruction. Scattered throughout the rubble, nearly 170 individuals lost their lives.Soe Nay Oo, who previously led Myoma mosque and now resides across the border in Thailand due to the military coup in Myanmar, felt the tremor while in Mae Sot. Days later, he was informed of the staggering death toll, most victims being friends and congregation members who were prayerfully gathered. “I think of all the people who lost their lives, the children left behind,” he shared with sorrowful reflection.The earthquake claimed over 2,700 lives in total, devastating communities in Sagaing and nearby Mandalay. Among the reported fatalities, around 500 Muslims died during their prayers. Myoma Street bore the worst impact, where many homes and structures were laid to waste, forcing survivors to seek shelter amidst terrifying aftershocks and dwindling food supplies. Eyewitness reports suggest worshippers attempted to flee, some found outside prayer halls or clutching onto one another. Soe Nay Oo lamented the loss of not only his loved ones but also prominent figures within the community, including close friends and respected officials. He finds his grief compounded by the memories of their shared connection and moments of kindness.In the aftermath, the Muslim community remains in distress, dealing with the logistics of burial complicated by ongoing conflict and the closure of local cemeteries. Bodies are being transported across the river to Mandalay for proper rites, but the delay in burials adds further anguish. Emotional and sleep-deprived, Soe Nay Oo wrestles with survivor’s guilt, feeling a deep longing to return and support his community in their time of need. Currently, he is channeling his efforts into coordinating rescue initiatives, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity during this tragic ordeal. Despite the heartbreak, Soe Nay Oo holds on to hope, aiding his fellow Myanmar citizens however he can, and reminding himself of the importance of their connectedness, even in the face of unimaginable loss.
