Buildings Crumble in Mandalay Due to Earthquake and Torrential Rainfall
Mandalay Building Collapses Again After Quake and Heavy Rain
A building that had been compromised following a previous earthquake in Mandalay has collapsed further following a minor quake, according to a press release from the Thiri Marlar East volunteer Fire Brigade. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 3.4 and a depth of 10 kilometres, struck at 6.26pm on May 21, 2025, and was centred approximately 4 miles northeast of Mandalay. The tremor caused additional structural failure to the already weakened building, located at the corner of 23rd C Street and 89th Street in Thiri Marlar East Ward.
Upon inspection, the Thiri Malar East Volunteer Fire Brigade found that the building had been making unusual noises and set up barriers around the site to protect the public due to the structure being deemed a serious hazard.
Another building in Mandalay collapsed again due to heavy rain, forcing residents to evacuate, according to the Mandalay-based Manisala Social Assistance Association. The building, located in Paputtan Ward, Mahaaungmye Township, collapsed on May 21 and residents had to be moved to safety.
Earlier this month, a father and son who were staying at an earthquake relief camp in Shwe Ku Monastery in Mahaaungmye Township died when a tree fell on them and they were trapped in a temporary tent due to heavy rain.
Following the powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28, 2025, about half of all buildings in Mandalay District were severely damaged or destroyed, resulting in at least 1,861 deaths. The earthquake caused the collapse of various structures, including residences, hotels, and educational buildings. Historical sites in and around Mandalay were heavily affected, with 75% of the historical structures in the former royal capital of Inwa damaged.
Heavy rains following the earthquake have exacerbated the situation, slowing relief and recovery efforts due to compromised roads and infrastructure. Power outages are widespread, and water shortages caused by damaged water sources combine with the onset of the hot season, increasing the risks of waterborne diseases and other health issues among affected populations.
The combination of earthquake damage and heavy rains has left many communities in central Myanmar devastated, especially in Mandalay and the Sagaing region. Structural damage amounts to an estimated $5.47 billion in losses, contributing to an $11 billion nationwide damage estimate. Relief efforts are ongoing but face serious logistical challenges due to damaged infrastructure and weather impacts, delaying aid delivery and prolonging hardship for survivors.
The collapse of another building in Mandalay was reported, not due to an earthquake this time, but because of heavy rain. This incident, according to the Mandalay-based Manisala Social Assistance Association, caused residents to evacuate the building located in Paputtan Ward, Mahaaungmye Township.
The forthcoming weeks in Mandalay have seen a general-news tragedy, as various businesses in the region have been impacted by accidents, including the latest news about a building collapse caused by adverse weather conditions.Crime-and-justice reports indicate that these unfortunate events have further strained the community, as they struggle to cope with the aftermath of the powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake in March, which also led to a series of general-news and crime-and-justice incidents due to the ensuing chaos and devastation.
