When a massive magnitude-7.9 earthquake struck Myanmar last week, Chinese travel vlogger Mang Shi found himself in the heart of the disaster in Mandalay.
On March 28, while visiting the iconic U Bein Bridge, Mang felt the ground shake violently. “It was terrifying; everything around me was trembling,” he recalled.
According to the latest official statistics released by Myanmar authorities, the earthquake resulted in at least 2,886 fatalities, over 4,600 injuries, and more than 370 people missing. Rescue operations are still ongoing as efforts continue to locate survivors.
In the immediate aftermath, Mang and other foreign tourists were relocated to a rural area northeast of Mandalay for safety. During the journey, he witnessed the devastating impact of the quake firsthand, passing collapsed buildings and witnessing the distress of local communities.
“Seeing the destruction was overwhelming,” Mang shared. “It was a stark reminder of how quickly life can change.”
On March 29, he was evacuated by bus to Yangon, enduring a grueling 17-hour journey. His experience highlights the challenges faced by those affected and the resilience of people coming together in times of crisis.
As Myanmar continues to grapple with the aftermath of one of its most powerful earthquakes in recent history, stories like Mang’s shed light on the human impact of natural disasters and the importance of ongoing support and aid.
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Chinese vlogger recalls Mandalay earthquake evacuation experience
cgtn.com