The military leadership of Myanmar has announced plans to redesign the layout of Nay Pyi Taw, the nation’s capital, following the catastrophic earthquake that struck last month. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing revealed during a government meeting that the earthquake’s devastation can be attributed to the soft soil on which many buildings were constructed.
Damage assessment and rebuilding strategy
According to reports, approximately 70% of government structures in Nay Pyi Taw sustained damage from the earthquake, prompting some offices to relocate to Yangon. General Hlaing emphasized the necessity of constructing new office buildings that meet stringent earthquake resistance standards. Prior to any reconstruction efforts, comprehensive soil testing will be conducted to ensure safety.
“The buildings which collapsed during the earthquake were so badly affected because they were built on soft soil,” said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
A significant earthquake, registering a magnitude of 7.7, rattled Myanmar on March 28, causing widespread destruction felt as far away as Thailand and southwest China. Official state reports indicate that the quake resulted in over 3,500 fatalities and left more than 5,000 individuals injured.
Nay Pyi Taw: A brief overview
Nay Pyi Taw, which translates to “seat of the king,” covers an area four times larger than London but has a considerably smaller population. Established in 2005 by Myanmar’s military regime, the city was designed as a planned capital with expansive roadways and sprawling infrastructure, including vast boulevards flanked by shopping malls and luxury hotels that often stand empty.
Since the military coup in 2021, Myanmar has experienced ongoing civil unrest, with intense conflicts erupting between the ruling junta and various ethnic militias and resistance groups. A temporary ceasefire was declared on April 2, 2023, to facilitate humanitarian assistance, although reports indicate that military operations against rebel territories have persisted.
In light of the earthquake’s destruction, the military council has begun a process of relocating important government documents and equipment to safer locations. Reconstruction of severely damaged buildings, such as the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Planning, may span several years, leading to the temporary relocation of various ministries to Yangon, approximately 366 kilometers away. Meanwhile, other departments are utilizing open-air facilities known as “hotai,” constructed with steel frames, to continue their operations.
Staff members at the National Museum in Nay Pyi Taw have expressed concerns over preserving invaluable collections, including inscriptions and tens of thousands of books, amidst the ongoing recovery efforts.