The umbrella, diamond bud, and jewelled vane of the ancient and historic Phaungdaw Chetma Pagoda in Lewe, Nay Pyi Taw, which was damaged by the powerful earthquake, were systematically removed on April 24 and stored by the pagoda board of trustees.
The Phaungdaw Chetma Buddha, which was adorned with a golden robe on March 21, was damaged by the earthquake on March 28.
The pagoda is leaning due to the earthquake, but the scaffolding for the golden robe has not been dismantled yet, so they are leaning against the scaffolding, explained U Kaung Myint Naung, deputy director of the Myanmar Fire Service, Special Search and Rescue Team. The dismantling process was very difficult and dangerous, he said. U Min Naing, vice chairman of the board of trustees, said that after examining the current condition of the pagoda, it was undecided yet whether it should be newly rebuilt or renovated. The earthquake that struck on March 28 destroyed many ancient pagodas and cultural relics, and as of the evening of April 23, more than 3,700 people were reported to have died.
