Myanmar paused for a poignant moment on Tuesday, observing a nationwide minute of silence to honor the victims of a devastating earthquake that has claimed over 2,700 lives.
At exactly 12:51:02 p.m. local time—the precise moment when the magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck near Mandalay—sirens echoed across the country, uniting citizens in remembrance of those lost.
On Monday, the government announced a week-long period of mourning following the disaster. The State Administration Council Chairman, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, addressed the nation in a televised speech, confirming that as of Tuesday, 2,719 people have been confirmed dead. He cautioned that the death toll is expected to exceed 3,000 as rescue efforts continue.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of so many lives,” Min Aung Hlaing said. “Our thoughts are with the families of the victims.”
In addition to the fatalities, 4,521 people have been reported injured, and 441 individuals are still missing. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate survivors amid the rubble.
The earthquake—the strongest to hit the region in decades—has left a trail of destruction, with thousands of homes and buildings damaged or destroyed. International aid agencies and neighboring countries have offered assistance as Myanmar grapples with the aftermath.
