Proposal for Masjids’ Safety and Structural Resilience in Earthquake-Prone Regions of Myanmar
Recent earthquakes across Myanmar have revealed serious vulnerabilities in mosque infrastructure, resulting in tragic casualties. An analysis of these incidents highlights the following contributing factors:
- Outdated Construction: Many mosques were built more than a century ago and do not meet modern safety or seismic resilience standards.
- Overcrowding and Structural Constraints: Annual increases in worshipper attendance (as recorded through Jammah registration) have not been matched by proportional expansion of mosque space. Narrow entrances and confined layouts significantly hinder rapid evacuation during emergencies.
- Severe Seismic Activity: The intensity of recent earthquakes has exposed the inability of older structures to withstand natural disasters.
Strategic Recommendations
To protect lives and strengthen the structural integrity of mosques, we respectfully propose the following actions:
- Authorize Modern Rebuilding: Approve reconstruction of existing mosques using modern materials, updated engineering practices, and contemporary Islamic architectural principles.
- Facilitate Expansion and Vertical Development:
- Where sufficient land is available, allow horizontal expansion of mosque facilities.
- In land-constrained areas, grant permissions for vertical construction (multi-level mosque structures) to accommodate worshippers safely.
Coordinated Implementation
We recommend that all mosque management committees:
- Prepare detailed documentation on current structural conditions.
- Submit formal requests, either through authorized religious councils or collectively to relevant national authorities.
By investing in structurally sound and scalable places of worship, Myanmar can protect its citizens while upholding the sanctity and accessibility of religious life.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of Myanmar’s Muslim communities.
