Myanmar’s capital is having to be redrawn after devastating earthquake

Myanmar’s military rulers have announced plans to redraw the layout of the nation’s capital city, Nay Pyi Taw, after last month’s catastrophic earthquake caused widespread destruction.

The 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay on March 28, followed by a 6.7 magnitude aftershock just 12 minutes later. As of Sunday, the death toll has reached 3,735, with 5,108 injured and 120 people still missing across six affected regions. Local fire brigades and international rescue teams have rescued 653 survivors trapped under collapsed buildings while recovering 762 bodies.

The region has frequently experienced significant seismic activity, with six quakes greater than 7.0 magnitude occurring within 250 kilometers of the March 28 epicenter since 1900. The impact was felt as far away as Bangkok, approximately 1,000 kilometers southeast of the epicenter, where infrastructure damage was reported. In Nay Pyi Taw, approximately 70% of government buildings were severely damaged, with most structures still in ruins as repair work has yet to begin.

NASA analysis shows the earthquake caused the ground to shift more than three meters in certain areas along the Sagaing Fault, with total displacement exceeding six meters in some locations. The resulting surface rupture extends approximately 550 kilometers from north of Mandalay to south of Nay Pyi Taw, making it “one of the longest documented strike-slip fault-induced surface ruptures on record.”

Several government ministries, including Foreign Affairs and Tourism, have relocated to the former capital Yangon, which is 366 kilometers away. Other departments have moved to open-air “hotai” structures with steel frames. Meanwhile, the National Museum in Nay Pyi Taw is working desperately to preserve thousands of artifacts, manuscripts and books.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has attributed building collapses to construction on soft soil and mandated earthquake-resistant designs for reconstruction. Meanwhile, Thailand continues experiencing aftershocks, with 15 quakes recorded across Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son and along the Myanmar border in a single 24-hour period on Sunday. Seven quakes subsequently struck the region early on Monday, with six centered in Myanmar and one in Pai District of Mae Hong Son.

Relief efforts continue as international aid arrives. A 20-day ceasefire was also declared by Myanmar’s military council on April 2 to facilitate humanitarian operations.

U.S. residents can assist Myanmar earthquake victims by donating to organizations like GlobalGiving and their Myanmar and Thailand Earthquake Relief Fund for emergency shelter and food through vetted partners. Contributions may also be made to the UN Crisis Relief’s Myanmar Earthquake Appeal for rapid essentials like water and shelter.