Grief Strikes as Myanmar Mosque Quake Claims 170 Lives

Soe Nay Oo, a former imam in Myanmar, mourns for the 170 individuals lost during a catastrophic earthquake that struck Sagaing, where many were praying in mosques. With ongoing humanitarian challenges, he reflects on his deep sense of grief and survivor's guilt as he helps coordinate aid from Thailand.

As the call to prayer echoed through the streets of Sagaing last Friday, hundreds of Muslims flocked to their local mosques for the last Ramadan prayers before Eid celebrations. However, at precisely 12:51 local time, a powerful earthquake struck, toppling three mosques, including the prominent Myoma mosque, leading to the tragic loss of many worshippers trapped inside.

Soe Nay Oo, a former imam who now resides in Mae Sot, Thailand, felt the tremors hundreds of kilometers away. The subsequent days revealed a devastating reality: around 170 of his loved ones, friends, and former congregation members had perished, primarily within the mosque walls. "The loss is unbearable," he lamented, with tears welling as he recalled the victims, including young children, and influential figures within the tight-knit Sagaing Muslim community.

The earthquake, which struck near Sagaing and Mandalay, has so far claimed over 2,700 lives, with the toll expected to rise as rescuers continue their search through the debris. Eyewitness accounts highlight Myoma Street as the most heavily impacted, where many homes have also been lost, leaving countless individuals homeless and fearful of aftershocks.

Reports indicate that around 500 Muslims were killed while fleeing the collapsing mosques, with accounts of bodies being found in various states of distress. "Each name I hear brings a new wave of grief," said Soe Nay Oo, mourning the loss of treasured friends and family, including a beloved cousin and associates who played vital roles in the community. Their deaths during the sacred month of Ramadan carry a profound impact, as families struggle with both loss and the inability to conduct burials promptly due to ongoing conflict between the military and resistance groups.

Survivors face numerous challenges, including food shortages and difficulty accessing burial sites due to military restrictions. Families have had to transport the deceased to Mandalay for burial, delaying rituals that are essential in Islamic tradition. The emotional toll weighs heavily on Soe Nay Oo, who feels a deep sense of survivor's guilt for not being present during the tragedy, reflecting on how his role as a leader could have made a difference.

Despite his anguish, he has turned his focus to aiding those still in need. As he paused his work with a human rights organization, Soe Nay Oo is now working to coordinate rescue efforts, providing crucial assistance to an estimated 1,000 Muslims affected by the disaster. "I feel relief only whenever somebody on the ground asks for help, and I can help them," he expressed, highlighting his commitment to his community during this unparalleled time of need.