In Depth: Myanmar’s Jade Trade Shattered by Earthquake

A devastating 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Considered the strongest earthquake in Myanmar in decades, it originated near the Irrawaddy River, approximately 20 kilometers from Mandalay, a significant hub for the jade trade and the country’s second-largest city [para. 2][para. 5]. The quake claimed over 3,600 lives, left more than 5,000 injured, and 160 missing, with fatalities extending to neighboring countries like Thailand, where at least 20 people died [para. 3][para. 4].

Mandalay, home to a substantial Chinese community involved in the jade industry, suffered severe infrastructure damage. Among the city’s demolished structures were 1,600 houses, 670 temples, 60 schools, and 290 pagodas. Chinese nationals, who constitute nearly 10% of Mandalay's population, were especially affected, with buildings such as the Sky Villa apartment complex collapsing, leaving many trapped. Eyewitness accounts described violent shaking and panicked escapes during the disaster [para. 6][para. 8]. The Chinese embassy confirmed fatalities among its citizens, with six dead and thirteen injured [para. 3][para. 9].

The earthquake disrupted Mandalay’s jade trade, for which the city is internationally recognized. Many Chinese jade merchants frequently visit Mandalay to select raw jade, benefiting from lower prices compared to China. Tragically, popular establishments like the Win Star Hotel collapsed, killing many jade traders and livestreamers who marketed jade products online. Rescue operations at the Win Star site revealed no signs of life more than 24 hours after the quake, underscoring the severity of the devastation [para. 10][para. 12].

In the wake of the earthquake, rescue efforts were challenging due to the destruction of transportation, communication, and power infrastructure. Initial rescues largely depended on civilians, including Chinese residents, who improvised using their bare hands under extreme heat to search for survivors. Chinese businesspeople and international rescue teams, including volunteers and professional personnel, arrived within days to aid operations. However, limited resources such as heavy machinery, medical supplies, and oxygen complicated relief efforts, highlighting the nation’s strained capacities amidst the disaster [para. 16][para. 19].

By April 6, Chinese rescue teams had saved nine individuals, but their efforts began shifting toward sanitation and epidemic prevention. Despite ongoing relief activities, survivors expressed concerns about the prolonged recovery process, especially for the jade trade, as numerous Chinese traders, like Hu Liang, hesitated to return to Myanmar [para. 21][para. 23].