Quake destroys Bagan murals

“Precious artwork in Sulamani, Tayokepjei, Payar Thone Sue and Thanbula pagodas was damaged by the earthquake. Murals in Lawka Ushaung, Myankappa, Gupauk Gyi and Wetgyiinn pagodas were destroyed,” said Myo Nyunt Aung, joint secretary of the Bagan Heritage Trust.

 

“We are going to renovate damaged pagodas to resist the earthquakes, using lime, sand and brick powder. The powerful earthquake destroyed many famous pagodas. But Taungguni and Lawka Htekpan pagodas were unharmed because they can resist earthquakes due to conservation efforts. If the pagodas are going to be renovated, the authorities should not use cement,” said Myo Nyunt Aung.

 

In Bagan there are about 250,000 square feet of murals, according to researchers.

 

“In Tayokepjei Pagoda, the original inscriptions and terracotta plaques collapsed. There is a huge damage,” said Zaw Weik, vice-chairman of the Bagan Heritage Trust.

 

The 6.8 Richter scale earthquake has damaged or ruined 264 religious and historical buildings in Mandalay Region while Magway Region reportedly suffered damage to 206 religious buildings, three deaths and two injuries.

 

Bagan saw 185 pagodas destroyed or damaged.

 

A female Spanish tourist was also reportedly injured.

 

In total, 253 buildings were damaged or destroyed in Mandalay Region.

 

Magway police said that 206 pagodas, 17 buildings, 25 monasteries, 16 schools, 10 offices and a hospital had been damaged.

 

Salin Township’s 1,000-year-old Thay Khae Hla and 700-year-old Shwe Myin Tin pagodas were badly damaged.

 

A 4.0 aftershock occurred on August 25 with its epicentre 8 miles southeast of Thabeikkyin but no damage was reported.