Devastation in Myanmar: Imam Mourns Loss of Community in Earthquake Tragedy

Thu Jul 10 2025 00:15:09 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Devastation in Myanmar: Imam Mourns Loss of Community in Earthquake Tragedy

In the wake of a catastrophic earthquake that struck Sagaing, Myanmar, an imam recounts the loss of nearly 170 members of his congregation as they prayed during Ramadan.


Soe Nay Oo, an imam now residing in Thailand, grapples with immense grief after a deadly earthquake claimed the lives of many in his former congregation in Sagaing, Myanmar. With over 2,700 fatalities reported and ongoing struggles exacerbated by conflict, the Muslim community faces challenges in burying their loved ones and recovering from the tragedy.


As the call to prayer resounded through Sagaing last Friday, the city's Muslim community flocked to five mosques to observe their last Friday of Ramadan, just days before Eid celebrations. Tragically, at 12:51 PM local time (06:21 GMT), a devastating earthquake struck, resulting in the collapse of three mosques, including the largest, Myoma, where many worshippers perished.

Among those deeply affected by the tragedy is Soe Nay Oo, a former imam of the Myoma mosque, who felt the tremors while living in Mae Sot, Thailand, after fleeing Myanmar following the 2021 coup. In the aftermath, he learned that approximately 170 of his relatives, friends, and former congregation members lost their lives primarily within the mosques. "I feel like I'm losing a part of myself," he expressed through tears. "It's unbearable to think of the children's faces who will never see their parents again."

As rescue workers toil to uncover more bodies from the rubble, the reported death toll exceeds 2,700, with essential supplies dwindling amidst rising fears of aftershocks. The Myanmar leader, Min Aung Hlaing, indicated that about 500 Muslims died while in prayer, illustrating the scale of loss. Myoma Street, housing the mosques, bore the brunt of the quake, with several homes collapsing, leaving many residents displaced.

Eyewitness accounts reveal that congregants attempted to flee as the mosques fell, with some found grasping hands in desperate attempts to save one another. This disaster struck hard during Ramadan, deepening the sense of loss felt by the community, particularly for Soe Nay Oo, who mourned not only friends but also family connections severed by this tragic event—including a beloved cousin and a respected figure within the community.

"We are compelled to turn our grief into action, but it's challenging. The community here is struggling to cope with such overwhelming loss," he said. The barrier of ongoing conflict complicates traditional burial practices, forcing community members to transport deceased loved ones to Mandalay for proper Islamic funeral rites—a significant deviation from customary practices.

With many unaccounted for, including close family members, Soe Nay Oo experiences survivor's guilt, lamenting, "If I had been there, I could have made a difference. Now I am here, and they are gone." He paused his work with a human rights group in Thailand to coordinate rescue efforts, highlighting the urgent need for assistance to the over 1,000 affected Muslims in Sagaing.

Despite the devastation, Soe Nay Oo draws strength from those reaching out for help, signaling that amidst grief, there exists a flicker of hope for recovery and community resilience. "These moments of solidarity remind me of the bonds we've formed—the bonds that death cannot sever."

MORE ON THEME

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 07:01:41 GMT

Guatemala Shutter Schools and Businesses Following Deadly Earthquake

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 07:01:41 GMT
Tue, 08 Jul 2025 04:32:36 GMT

Understanding the Dynamics of Prisoners of War in Myanmar's Ongoing Civil Conflict

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 04:32:36 GMT
Mon, 07 Jul 2025 20:48:12 GMT

Trump Reintroduces Tariff Threats for Key Trade Partners

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 20:48:12 GMT
Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:29:04 GMT

Texas Flooding Disaster Claims 78 Lives, Recovery Efforts Underway

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:29:04 GMT
Sun, 06 Jul 2025 22:23:03 GMT

Aftermath of Israel's Attack on Iran's Evin Prison: A Shift in Public Sentiment

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 22:23:03 GMT
Sun, 06 Jul 2025 20:41:48 GMT

**Escalation of Conflict: Israel's Strikes on Evin Prison Fuel Anti-Israel Sentiment in Iran**

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 20:41:48 GMT
Sat, 05 Jul 2025 07:29:51 GMT

Civilian Casualties Rise Following Israeli Airstrike on Gaza Cafe

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 07:29:51 GMT
Fri, 04 Jul 2025 20:58:32 GMT

Hamas Signals Positive Movement on Ceasefire Negotiations Amid Ongoing Violence

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 20:58:32 GMT
Fri, 04 Jul 2025 16:26:58 GMT

Ukraine's Struggle Against Drone Warfare: A Relentless Battle for Survival

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 16:26:58 GMT
Thu, 03 Jul 2025 20:07:02 GMT

Casualties Rise in Gaza Amid Intensified Israeli Airstrikes

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 20:07:02 GMT
Thu, 03 Jul 2025 18:25:14 GMT

Top Russian Commander Maj. Gen. Gudkov Killed in Ukraine Conflict

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 18:25:14 GMT
Wed, 02 Jul 2025 10:39:48 GMT

Optimism Surrounds Potential Gaza Cease-Fire Ahead of Netanyahu-Trump Meeting

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 10:39:48 GMT
Wed, 02 Jul 2025 08:58:57 GMT

Kim Jong-un Honors Troops for Russian War Efforts Amid Tactical Partnerships

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 08:58:57 GMT
Tue, 01 Jul 2025 23:43:47 GMT

Rear Adm. Ali Shamkhani Survives Israeli Strike: A Symbol of Resilience Amid Ongoing Conflict

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 23:43:47 GMT
Tue, 01 Jul 2025 07:45:59 GMT

Calls to Shut Down US-Israeli Backed Gaza Aid Group as Death Toll Rises

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 07:45:59 GMT
Sun, 29 Jun 2025 21:19:21 GMT

Israel's Attack on Evin Prison Leaves 71 Dead, Escalating Tensions with Iran

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 21:19:21 GMT
Sun, 29 Jun 2025 16:48:02 GMT

**Russian Air Assault Escalates in Ukraine: A Night of Fury**

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 16:48:02 GMT
Sun, 29 Jun 2025 16:46:31 GMT

Casualties of Conflict: Israeli Strike on Tehran’s Evin Prison Reports 71 Lives Lost

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 16:46:31 GMT
Sun, 29 Jun 2025 08:10:37 GMT

Escalation in Gaza: 81 Deaths Reported Amid Ongoing Israeli Strikes

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 08:10:37 GMT
Sat, 28 Jun 2025 05:38:05 GMT

Uncertain Recovery: Tehran Residents Face a Troubled Future

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 05:38:05 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.