"This is the worst earthquake here in over a century—extremely severe. Many Chinese diaspora here are dead or injured, and countless homes are uninhabitable," said Jiang Enti, Chairman of the Mandalay Yunnan Association of Myanmar, during an interview with DDN reporters at the association's headquarters on March 3. "The southwestern part of Mandalay has been completely flattened."
Jiang's account underscores the devastation unleashed by the quake on Mandalay, Myanmar's largest hub for ethnic Chinese. The city now lies in ruins, with displaced survivors visible everywhere.
"If even our well-resourced Chinese community is struggling this badly, you can imagine the suffering of others. The entire population of Mandalay is in agony," he added.
Amid the disaster, Mandalay's Chinese community has banded together. The association has spearheaded relief efforts, with members donating funds, supplies, and labor. Volunteers on the front lines distribute aid rapidly based on real-time needs.
"We provide whatever rescue teams require—immediately. If we don't have it, we buy it at once," Jiang said. Generators, power tools, disinfectants, vehicles, translators—all are dispatched without delay. "This effort relies entirely on our community's support."
At a relief center run by the Yunnan Chamber of Commerce, young volunteers swarm the premises. Jiang noted that 300-400 youths arrive daily to sort supplies and assist with translation, describing himself as "deeply moved" by their dedication.
An 18-year-old Chinese-Myanmese volunteer, whose school closed due to quake damage, joined the effort to "contribute to my country (Myanmar) and the Chinese community." He described witnessing Chinese rescue teams working grueling shifts under scorching 40°C heat, sleeping on the ground near the Sky Villa collapse site.
"They toil under the blazing sun without shade. I'm grateful to every Chinese rescuer here—thank you, China, for lighting our darkest hour."
Another 19-year-old volunteer, also displaced from classes, recounted a pivotal moment at a crumbling apartment block: Rescue crews using life detectors finally heard faint tapping sounds beneath debris.
"It reminded me how fragile life is," he said, tearfully acknowledging China's swift deployment of multiple rescue teams. "When I saw them arrive, I couldn't stop my tears—thank you."
With countless displaced, Jiang emphasized urgent next steps, "We're drafting plans to address shelter and food—tents, temporary housing, rice, and cooking oil. These basics will bring stability."
For now, survival trumps all else.
(Reported by Alan Mak/Jack Wang; English editor: Darius)
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