A “diamond-shaped orb” and a “banana-bud” of two ancient pagodas in the archaeological area in Mrauk-U Township in Rakhine State fell to the ground and were destroyed due to the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that hit about 5:17 p.m. Myanmar local time.
“Two pagodas were damaged due to the recent earthquake. Currently, we are still inspecting the area. We don't know exactly how many pagodas were damaged,” said the Mrauk-U Archaeological Department. “But it is sure that the “banana-bud” of the Yadana Ma Aung Pagoda and the “diamond-shaped orb” of the Yadanapon Pagoda were broken.”
Ancient pagodas in Minbu, Chauk, and Yay Nan Chaung in the Magway Region were also damaged due to the earthquake, according to regional MPs.
An ancient pagoda named Kyam Kaing in Yay Nan Chaung Township, Magway Region was damaged, said Magway Region MP Tint Lwin from Yay Nan Chaung constituency 1.
Soe Win, Magway Region MP, Chauk constituency, said Thame Pagoda, Shwe Lel Chaung Pagoda, Shwe Yi Kyaung Pagoda, Shwe Ku Hman Kin Pagoda and two other pagodas in Chauk Township were also damaged.
Kyaw Swam Yi, Magway Region MP, Minbu constituency, said the “diamond-shaped orbs” of two temples in ancient Chan Tha Aye Pagoda Compound in Minbu Township fell to the ground, and Mud Volcanoes in Minbu released a mud-like substance due to the earthquake.