Introduction

The festive air of Ramadan's final Friday prayers turned into chaos as a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, shaking the very foundations of faith and stability for many, especially for a 13-year-old boy named Sein from Mandalay.

Sein's Experience During the Earthquake

As Sein sat in the mosque, absorbing the Imam’s words, the earth began to tremble. "Everybody scattered and ran. When I reached my father, he said, ‘Don’t run outside, sit still. If we’re going to die, let’s die while praying,’” Sein narrated, still shaken by the memory. The mosque trembled violently, and as the earth's wrath finally subsided, Sein stepped outside to find devastation—numerous shops nearby lay in ruins, breathing life into the terrible memories of Cyclone Mocha that had haunted him for the last two years.

Remembering the Cyclone Mocha Disaster

Through his grief, Sein recalled the catastrophic cyclone that ripped through Rakhine in May 2023, claiming the lives of over 145 people, including his mother and younger brother. He was only 11 at the time and remembers the terrifying moment when floodwaters surged, forcing him to swim for his life. His heart ached as he recounted, “I cried a lot. My mum is truly gone. She was my world.” In his sorrow, he prayed for their reunion in the afterlife, hoping he and his father could join her if disaster struck again.

Post-Disaster Life

In the aftermath of the recent earthquake, Sein rushed to the apartment he now shares with his father and stepsister. They had relocated to Mandalay in search of a fresh start after losing everything in the storms. While they found each other safe, the emotional scars ran deep. “I suffered the storm. I suffered the earthquake. I don’t want any more natural disasters,” he lamented, a haunting plea for peace echoing in his heart.

Ongoing Turmoil and Future Concerns

However, the physical damage was not the only concern plaguing Sein's family. The turmoil in Myanmar, exacerbated by ongoing civil conflict, posed an additional threat. His father expressed deep fear about potential military conscription, concerned that Sein might be forced to fight amid the brutal clashes between the Myanmar military and anti-government militia groups.

Humanitarian Crisis and International Support Needed

Despite the military's declaration of a ceasefire to enable recovery efforts, reports of renewed violence continue to surface, leaving families like Sein's in a constant state of anxiety. Humanitarian agencies are struggling, with funding shortages hindering their ability to provide aid, while the scale of need continues to rise.

Conclusion

As Sein reflects on his past and the uncertainty of his future, he voices a yearning for normalcy that is perpetually elusive. "We just want to live in peace. We’ve lost so much already," he states, standing at the intersection of hope and despair, a testament to the resilience of youth amidst chaos.

With natural disasters and civil unrest intertwined, Myanmar's challenges are far from over. It remains imperative for the international community to address the urgent need for support and resources to aid survivors like Sein, who desperately seek a chance to heal and reclaim their lost childhoods.