Myanmar continues to grapple with the devastating aftermath of the massive 7.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the country on March 28, with official reports confirming 3,649 fatalities as of 6 p.m. local time on Wednesday. According to Myanmar’s State Administration Council, the tragedy has also left 5,018 people injured and 145 individuals still missing. The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology revealed that the country has experienced 112 aftershocks, ranging in magnitude from 2.8 to 7.5, since the initial quake. These frequent tremors have continued to shake public infrastructure and recovery efforts in affected regions, particularly around Yangon.

The earthquake has severely impacted critical services. According to a report in the state-run The Mirror, 6,730 mobile communication stations sustained damage. While 5,999 stations have been restored as of April 6, 731 stations remain under repair. Additionally, 15 post offices temporarily ceased operations but successfully resumed services by March 31. In response to the national tragedy, Myanmar’s annual Thingyan Festival, marking the traditional New Year, will be significantly subdued. The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar announced that this year's festival—officially named Ata Thingyan—will be held without music or dance, as a mark of respect for the lives lost.

This year's Thingyan is particularly significant, as it is the first celebration since the festival was included in UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Originally scheduled to run from April 13 to 16, with New Year’s Day falling on April 17, the festival typically features lively street celebrations, water fights, dance, and cultural performances. However, the Yangon City Development Committee's Engineering Department reported that the construction of the water festival pavilion and the Thingyan Walk near Yangon City Hall has been cancelled. Authorities emphasized the importance of mourning and solidarity in light of the immense human and infrastructural loss.

The quake's devastating toll has not only caused widespread human tragedy but also disrupted daily life and communications. The government is coordinating relief efforts, with ongoing rescue operations in areas where people remain trapped or unaccounted for. Emergency services, local volunteers, and international aid groups continue to respond, but the widespread aftershocks and structural damage have complicated recovery operations. As Myanmar braces for the upcoming New Year period, the national mood remains somber. The decision to proceed with a scaled-down celebration underscores the importance of honoring the memory of those affected by the disaster while maintaining cultural and spiritual traditions. The Ata Thingyan Festival has long been a cornerstone of Myanmar's cultural identity, and this year's restrained observance is a poignant reminder of the resilience of its people in the face of one of the country's worst natural disasters in recent history.