Myanmar earthquake kills hundreds of Muslims, destroys mosques

7.7-magnitude quake devastates Muslim communities in Myanmar.

Muslims perform morning prayers to begin the Eid al-Fitr festival, marking the end of Ramadan, on a road near destroyed mosques in Mandalay on March 31, 2025, three days after the deadly earthquake in Myanmar. Photo by Sai Aung Main/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, March 28, killing thousands, including an estimated 700 Muslims, according to a local Islamic organization. The powerful tremor hit during Friday prayers, when non-Rohingya Muslims had gathered in mosques across the country. The destruction was severe, with numerous places of worship reduced to rubble.

The Irrawaddy, a Thailand-based media outlet run by Myanmar exiles, reported that 60 mosques in Mandalay and Sagaing—two of the worst-affected regions—were destroyed. Citing the Spring Revolution Myanmar Muslim Network, the report indicated that most of the collapsed mosques were built in the 19th century and had not undergone significant renovations due to government restrictions.

Muslim communities suffer heavy losses

In addition to Mandalay and Sagaing, mosques in Naypyitaw, Pyinmana, Pyawbwe, Yamethin, Thazi, Meiktila, Kyaukse, and Paleik were also reported to have sustained damage. Many of these structures, already in poor condition, were unable to withstand the quake’s force.

Ko Shaki, a representative from the Islamic organization, expressed fears that the death toll could be even higher. "We expect the number of casualties to be high because the earthquake struck during Friday prayers and during the fasting month of Ramadan. We don't have an exact number yet, but we know it's in the hundreds," he said.

At least 18 mosques in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, suffered damage. Shaki noted that these historic places of worship had never been properly maintained due to restrictions imposed by previous governments. "We were not allowed to carry out repairs and maintenance on mosques during the previous government," he added.

Discrimination worsens post-earthquake crisis

The earthquake has highlighted longstanding discrimination against Myanmar’s Muslim community. The junta-controlled administration failed to list mosques among the structures affected by the disaster, despite detailing the number of damaged monasteries in its official impact report.

Furthermore, local sources reported that rescue teams deployed by the junta did not conduct operations in collapsed mosques, leaving many victims trapped under the debris. The perceived neglect of Muslim casualties has fueled accusations of systemic bias in Myanmar's disaster response efforts.

Ko Shaki also pointed to the role of Ma Ba Tha, an ultranationalist organization backed by the Myanmar military, in fostering anti-Muslim sentiment. "For years, the group has incited hostility toward mosques, and now we see the consequences," he said.

Historic warnings ignored

The destruction of Myanmar's mosques had been a concern for years. In 2017, the U.S. Department of State issued a warning about the deteriorating condition of historic mosques in the country. The report highlighted how the government had denied routine maintenance requests, effectively allowing many of these structures to fall into disrepair.

The earthquake has now exacerbated the problem, with the loss of life and destruction of religious sites adding to the hardships faced by Myanmar’s Muslim minority.

As rescue efforts continue, local organizations are calling for international assistance to ensure aid reaches all affected communities, regardless of religious affiliation. However, with reports of government inaction and discrimination, the future remains uncertain for those who have lost their homes, places of worship, and loved ones.