Tragic Earthquake Strikes During Ramadan

In a deeply tragic turn of events, the serene final Friday prayers for Ramadan in central Myanmar were transformed into a scene of devastation when a powerful earthquake struck unexpectedly. On that fateful day, the local Muslim community had gathered at the five mosques, preparing for the celebratory Eid festivities just days away. At precisely 12:51 PM local time, buildings began to crumble under the quake's force, claiming the lives of nearly everyone inside the Myoma mosque, the largest in the area.

Soe Nay Oo's Heartbreak

Soe Nay Oo, a former imam of Myoma mosque who currently resides in Mae Sot, Thailand, was among the first to feel the tremor. Several days later, he received the harrowing news that around 170 of his family members, friends, and former congregants had perished, leaving him heartbroken and in disbelief. "I can't hold back my tears when I talk about this," Soe Nay Oo expressed, reflecting on the immense loss his community has suffered.

The Scale of the Disaster

The earthquake, which struck near Sagaing and Mandalay—Myanmar's second-largest city—has been catastrophic. With over 2,700 casualties reported so far, this natural disaster has devastated an area primarily known for its ancient Buddhist temples but also home to a significant Muslim population. Among the dead, an estimated 500 were killed while engaged in prayer, according to Myanmar's junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing.

Eyewitness Accounts and Destruction

Eyewitness accounts reveal that Myoma Street, where the mosques stood, was the epicenter of destruction. Homes were reduced to rubble, forcing hundreds to seek refuge outdoors—many homeless and fearful of aftershocks. Food and essential supplies are dwindling in this affected area, compounding the community's suffering.

Mourning in the Ruins

In the ruins of Myoma mosque alone, distressing reports have emerged that worshippers attempted to flee the chaos, with bodies discovered outside the main prayer hall and others found clutching the hands of those they tried to save. Soe Nay Oo shared the heart-wrenching details of his loss; he mourns family members and friends who were not just part of his life but pillars of their community. One particularly painful loss was his wife's cousin, remembered for her warmth and love. "The loss is unbearable for us," he lamented.

Challenges in Recovery

As the region grapples with recovery efforts, the local Muslim community faces additional challenges. Persistent armed conflict between the military junta and various resistance groups has rendered access to burial sites nearly impossible. The traditional Muslim cemetery in Sagaing remains inaccessible, forcing families to transport their deceased loved ones to Mandalay for burial—a process made all the more difficult due to the ongoing violence in the region.

Soe Nay Oo's Commitment to His Community

Desperate to help, Soe Nay Oo has halted his human rights work in Thailand and is now coordinating rescue efforts, motivated by an overwhelming desire to assist those who remain in Sagaing. Currently, he estimates that at least 1,000 Muslims in the area are still in dire need of aid. "I feel relief only whenever somebody on the ground asks for help, and I can help them," he said, despite the anguish of his own loss.

Reflecting on Grief During Ramadan

As the community faces the challenge of healing, Soe Nay Oo contemplates the nature of grief during Ramadan, a month typically focused on reflection and mercy. "All the departed have returned to Allah's home," he mused, acknowledging their martyrdom in the face of such tragedy.

A Community in Mourning

With similar stories emerging from other families affected by the quake, Myanmar finds itself in a state of mourning while also dealing with the logistical nightmare of rescue and recovery amidst political turmoil. For Soe Nay Oo, the journey toward healing will be long and riddled with reminders of loss, yet his commitment to his community remains unwavering.