As Myanmar grapples with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, a larger question looms—could this natural disaster foreshadow the collapse of the ruling military junta?
The earthquake, which struck on Friday, has killed at least 1,644 people, with the death toll expected to rise. Its timing—just a day after Myanmar’s military regime celebrated the country’s 80th Armed Forces Day—has fueled speculation and superstitions in a nation where omens hold significant weight.
A nation in ruins
- Death toll and destruction: At least 1,644 people are confirmed dead, with thousands injured or trapped under debris.
- Mandalay hit hard: The country’s second-largest city suffered heavy damage, with high-rise buildings collapsing.
- Naypyitaw shaken: The military’s fortified capital saw cracks in government buildings, fallen portraits of leaders, and the collapse of its air traffic control tower, killing at least seven.
In Mandalay, the earthquake reduced entire neighborhoods to rubble. Among the victims was the family of Ko Kyaw, who works in Singapore. His parents, wife, and two daughters, ages 4 and 7, were killed when their condominium collapsed. Their bodies lie in a crowded hall, awaiting burial, reported NYT.
‘Nature’s punishment for a cruel ruler’
Many in Myanmar see the earthquake as a sign of retribution against Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who seized power in a 2021 coup, reported NYT.
Daw Marlar Myint, 89, retired school principal: “We have a saying that a massive earthquake like this is nature’s way of punishing a cruel and corrupt ruler. After killing so many people, Min Aung Hlaing is now facing the judgment of nature.”
Belief in omens: Myanmar’s astrological almanacs suggest a March earthquake foretells the downfall of cities, while one in July predicts the fall of kings and rulers.
Junta’s grip weakens amid growing resistance
Since the 2021 coup, civil war has engulfed Myanmar:
- Rebel control: Large rural areas are held by resistance forces, while the junta remains fortified in major cities.
- Airstrikes continue: Hours after the earthquake, junta fighter jets bombed Naung Lin village in Shan State. Although no casualties were reported, recent airstrikes in the area killed at least 14 people.
“I just can’t believe they did airstrikes at the same time as the earthquake,” said Lway Yal Oo, a Naung Lin resident. “Min Aung Hlaing is creating a killing field in Myanmar.”
Junta’s obsession with superstition
Myanmar’s military rulers have long turned to astrology and mysticism to maintain power:
- Capital relocation: In 2005, generals moved the capital from Yangon to Naypyitaw based on astrological guidance.
- White elephants: Seen as symbols of power, Min Aung Hlaing has collected them to enhance his authority.
- Buddhist Talismans: According to a junta astrologer, the military chief relies on spiritual amulets to cling to power.
An astrologer advising a senior junta official revealed that fear is growing within the regime. “A military intermediary called me and requested help in protecting the junta chief’s hold on Myanmar. I advised them to have him wear a Buddha amulet—but I believe this earthquake is an ominous sign,” NYT quoted an anonymous astrologer as saying.
A crumbling regime?
As survivors dig through the rubble with their bare hands, many see the earthquake as a symbolic shake-up for a regime that has ruled through violence and fear.
“Even the bones of those he murdered are trembling,” Daw Marlar Myint said, echoing the sentiments of a nation waiting for change.
