Thirteen children attending an etiquette training course were killed when an ancient monastery collapsed in Yamethin Township, Mandalay Region, following a powerful earthquake on March 28.

The historic monastery in Ywar Tan station in Yamethin Township crumbled under the quake’s force, trapping the young students. While 18 children were rescued, 13 others—aged between 10 and 13—lost their lives. Venerable Ashin Aseinnya, the abbot of Than Hlut Monastery in Thegyun Village, described the harrowing scene.

"Normally, over 60 children attend classes there. That day, they were distributing exam forms for a test. The monastery is usually closed on Buddhist Sabbath days, but they were handing out forms when it happened," the abbot explained.

Rescuers struggled to free survivors from the rubble. "One little girl was trapped with only her head visible. As we pulled her out, she told us there were more children beneath her. We couldn’t save them—we could only see their little heads," the abbot said.

Funerals have been held for the victims, and while the monastery has provided some support to bereaved families, more assistance is urgently needed. "We’ve done what we can, but I urge others to help these grieving parents in any way possible," the abbot added.