Post-Earthquake Forum: Technical Review and Preparation under Discussion

The opening ceremony of the Post-Earthquake Technical Forum, held under the theme "Technical Review for Post-Earthquake Reconstruction Works and Preparation for Future Technical Challenges," took place on Monday at Mingalar Thiri Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw.

Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing attended this forum and delivered the opening remarks. The ceremony was also attended by Vice Chairman of the State Administration Council Deputy Prime Minister Vice Senior General Soe Win and many other high-ranking officials.

To mark the four-month anniversary of the Mandalay Earthquake, the Prime Minister and all attendees observed a one-minute silence as a mark of sorrow for the victims who lost their lives due to the earthquake. Following this, a documentary video titled "Technical Review for Post-Earthquake Reconstruction Works and Preparation for Future Technical Challenges" was shown. In his remarks, the Prime Minister stated that earthquakes can cause significant damage and losses, and require preparedness.

Historical records show that since 1839, Myanmar has experienced about 20 major earthquakes of Magnitude 6 or higher, resulting in widespread destruction. The Mandalay Earthquake of March 28, 2025, which registered Magnitude 7.7 and caused damage in five regions and states, including Mandalay, Sagaing, and Nay Pyi Taw, occurred along the Sagaing Fault.

Although the 3,739 lives lost in the Mandalay Earthquake are significantly fewer compared to earthquakes globally, it was a tragic event for Myanmar. The damage to infrastructure included over 50,000 homes, as well as roads, bridges, towers, schools, hospitals, religious buildings, and numerous factories and workshops.

The State has initially provided 500 billion kyats for public housing reconstruction and continues to provide an additional 2 trillion kyats for rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. And, the Prime Minister urged all participants to effectively and beneficially identify and discuss the needs of our country's construction sector.

The quality and durability of buildings which is crucial for national development are of utmost importance. It is also known that the Myanmar National Building Code (MNBC) 2025 will serve as an Earthquake Resilient Design Framework.

He also urged all stakeholders to collectively strive to create and construct safe and secure infrastructure. Following his remarks, the Prime Minister presented commemorative honors to the chairpersons and officials who carried out Damage Assessment and Earthquake Clinics. And, the topics for discussion and review at the Forum were presented.

After the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister and the attendees enthusiastically toured the exhibition booths commemorating the Post-Earthquake Technical Forum. The Post-Earthquake Technical Forum, held under the theme "Technical Review for Post-Earthquake Reconstruction Works and Preparation for Future Technical Challenges," will continue until July 29.

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