One year after the Mandalay earthquake: recovery moves forward, but scars remain

A year after the earthquake near Mandalay, northern Myanmar remains caught between recovery and loss. While some roads have been repaired and even repaved, progress is uneven. The old Ava Bridge stands as a visible reminder, with parts of it still broken over the river.

The quake, which struck on March 28, 2025, with a magnitude of 7.7, killed more than 3,800 people in Myanmar and additional victims in Thailand. It hit a country already affected by conflict, complicating recovery efforts. Residents who have returned to the area describe an incomplete recovery—some places are moving forward, while others show little progress.

In Naypyidaw, there are small but noticeable changes. A collapsed concrete section at the main hospital has been replaced with a lighter structure. Even so, memories of the quake remain vivid, and images from that day—particularly of officials responding under pressure—are still widely recalled.

Mandalay was among the hardest-hit areas. In Amarapura, a fallen Buddha statue remains where it was placed after the quake, its face carefully cleaned. Rebuilding has been slow. Some families have repaired their homes, while others are still working to recover.

Across the city, much of the debris has been cleared, but gaps remain. New buildings are rising in some areas, while others are still vacant. Near the old palace, repairs are underway, and life around the moat has largely returned to normal, with people once again walking and exercising there.

At a monastery, some damaged buildings have been completely demolished. The abbot notes that while people are doing what they can, limited financial resources are slowing progress. Despite this, daily life continues.

There are also signs of recovery. A damaged Buddha statue at Nagayon Pagoda has been restored. However, in Bon Oe village, a mosque that collapsed during Ramadan prayers has yet to be rebuilt. Without official permission, locals continue to gather in a temporary shelter.

For many survivors, the psychological impact remains significant. Loud noises can still trigger fear, and memories of the event remain vivid. Even a year later, the earthquake does not yet feel like a distant event.