A Taiwanese woman tragically lost her life in the devastating magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, 2024. She was on a charity trip with her husband when the Great Wall Hotel Mandalay collapsed, trapping her under the rubble. Despite ongoing rescue efforts, she was declared dead on March 31.
Her husband, who was with her in the hotel at the time, managed to escape with minor injuries. The couple had initially been staying at a Buddhist temple but moved to the hotel due to communication difficulties with the temple monks.
Background of the Myanmar Earthquake
The earthquake, which measured 7.7 on the Richter scale, caused widespread destruction and resulted in at least 2,719 deaths as of April 3, 2024. According to reports from Myanmar’s state-run MRTV, the quake also left 4,521 people injured and 441 missing. Power outages, damaged infrastructure, and a lack of rescue equipment have slowed relief operations, making the situation even more dire for those affected.
Challenges in Rescue Operations
Businessman Yang Yu-chuan (楊友全), head of the Myanmar Taiwan Business Association, revealed at a press conference in Taipei that rescue efforts were slow due to:
- Limited excavation equipment to clear debris.
- Severe power and water outages.
- Difficulties in reaching remote areas affected by the earthquake.
Yang also confirmed that the Taiwanese woman was the only Taiwanese national reported dead in the earthquake.
Humanitarian Efforts by the Taiwanese Community in Myanmar
In response to the crisis, Taiwanese businesses and organizations in Myanmar have mobilized to send aid. The Myanmar Taiwan Business Association has announced ongoing relief efforts, including:
- 500 body bags already en route to affected areas.
- An additional 1,000 body bags and 500 mattresses being prepared.
- Food supplies such as instant noodles, with two truckloads scheduled to be delivered from Yangon on April 4.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) has announced plans to open a designated account on April 8 to collect private donations. The funds will be allocated to:
- Helping Taiwan-based students from affected areas.
- Financing the reconstruction of 60 Taiwanese overseas schools damaged by the earthquake.
- Providing humanitarian aid and supplies to local victims.
Final Arrangements for the Deceased Taiwanese Woman
Yang confirmed that the husband of the deceased woman has chosen to cremate her body in Myanmar before returning to Taiwan. The tragedy has deeply impacted Taiwan’s expatriate community in Myanmar, many of whom have expressed their condolences and are working to support disaster relief efforts.
As the death toll continues to rise, international aid organizations and governments are ramping up assistance to Myanmar, where thousands remain homeless and in urgent need of medical care, shelter, and clean water.
FAQs
What caused the Taiwanese woman’s death in Myanmar?
She was trapped under debris when the Great Wall Hotel Mandalay collapsed during the 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28, 2024.
How did her husband survive?
He managed to escape with minor injuries, while his wife was trapped under the rubble.
How many casualties have been reported so far?
As of April 3, 2024, reports confirm:
2,719 deaths.
4,521 injuries.
441 missing persons.
How can people donate to the relief efforts?
Taiwan’s Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) will open a donation account on April 8, focusing on:
Helping Taiwanese students affected by the disaster.
Rebuilding 60 overseas Taiwanese schools.
Providing relief supplies to local victims.
Is Taiwan sending an official rescue team?
While no official rescue team has been dispatched, Taiwanese businessmen and organizations in Myanmar are actively coordinating aid efforts.
