In the heart of Sagaing, Myanmar, the call to prayer echoed through the air. It was a sacred time for hundreds of Muslims as they rushed to their mosques for the last Friday prayers during Ramadan. Little did they know that tragedy lurked around the corner.
As the clock struck 12:51 local time, a devastating earthquake shook Sagaing to its core. Three mosques, including the largest one, Myoma, crumbled under nature’s wrath, claiming nearly all inside. The former imam of Myoma mosque, Soe Nay Oo, felt the tremors from afar in Mae Sot, Thailand – but it was only later that he learned about the heartbreaking loss of around 170 loved ones.
“I think about all the people who lost their lives… I can’t hold back my tears when I talk about this,”
shared Soe Nay Oo with a heavy heart. The quake’s toll continued to rise as rescuers worked tirelessly amid the rubble-stricken streets of Sagaing and Mandalay.
Sagaing was not just known for its ancient Buddhist temples; it was also home to a vibrant Muslim community that suffered a significant blow during this calamity. Eyewitnesses recounted how Myoma Street bore the brunt of destruction, with numerous houses reduced to debris alongside the mosques.
Soe Nay Oo received chilling reports from survivors detailing desperate attempts to flee as chaos enveloped them. Images of Myoma mosque in ruins painted a haunting picture of devastation that had befallen his cherished community members.
Among those lost were cherished family members and close friends whose absence left an irreplaceable void in Soe Nay Oo’s life. Their stories wove a tapestry of loyalty and love – from his wife’s cousins who held special places in his heart to respected individuals like his assistant imam and school principal who perished tragically.
The pain ran deep for Soe Nay Oo as he grappled with waves of grief cascading over him each time he remembered those who were no more. Their untimely passing during Ramadan added another layer of poignancy – they would forever be remembered as martyrs by those left behind.
The aftermath posed further challenges as communities struggled to give their deceased proper burials amidst ongoing conflicts between military forces and resistance groups. Restrictions on accessing Muslim cemeteries compounded their sorrow as bodies had to be ferried across cities for burial rites.
For Soe Nay Oo, being unable to stand side by side with his former congregation during their darkest hour weighed heavily on his soul. Survivor’s guilt gnawed at him relentlessly; if only he could have been there when disaster struck or lent a helping hand post-tragedy.
Sleepless nights filled with worry clouded his mind as he anxiously awaited news from missing family members still unaccounted for in Mandalay. His current mission involved coordinating rescue efforts while providing aid remotely – every small act offering solace amidst despair.
The journey ahead is fraught with challenges and sorrows yet unknown; however, through shared grief and unwavering solidarity within Myanmar’s shattered communities lie glimmers of hope and resilience waiting to emerge from beneath the rubble.
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