Mandalay, Myanmar – Two years ago, as Cyclone Mocha was barreling toward Myanmar’s western coast at wind speeds of approximately 280 kilometers per hour (175mph), threatening widespread destruction, Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, appeared indifferent.

Despite forecasts predicting destruction when the cyclone made landfall, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his cabinet were comfortably in the eastern part of the country, dedicating a Buddhist temple.

According to The Irrawaddy magazine, the general’s participation in the detailed ceremonies that weekend in Shan State’s Keng Tung was another example of his fixation with traditional rituals thought to fend off bad luck and misfortune.

The publication highlighted that the dedication ceremonies were heavily laden with yadaya (the Burmese term for superstitious, magical rituals), aiming for divine blessings and to prevent misfortune, without mentioning that millions were bracing for the potential disaster and that Min Aung Hlaing was preoccupied with these rituals.

On Friday, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake leveled Mandalay and Sagaing in central Myanmar, leaving a trail of ruins with more than 2,700 confirmed deaths as of Tuesday.

In Myanmar, a country deeply steeped in superstition, many are interpreting this catastrophic earthquake as divine retribution against their military rulers and a harbinger of Min Aung Hlaing’s fall.

‘Downfall Is Imminent’

A Mandalay astrologer, speaking to Al Jazeera anonymously due to security concerns, indicated that the earthquake could signal significant change, saying “the government’s leadership will see major shifts; there may be escalated conflicts. Leadership change often means Min Aung Hlaing must relinquish power in some way.”

The astrologer noted that as someone known for his faith in astrology and superstitions, Min Aung Hlaing would certainly interpret the earthquake as a sign of impending misfortune. Just a day before, he had presided over the annual Armed Forces Day parades amidst an unyielding civil war, which has resulted in the deaths of over 6,000 civilians by the regime’s forces.

“He governs the nation through astrological means,” the astrologer commented, “yet, with the earthquake’s signs, his downfall is imminent.”

Min Aung Hlaing’s belief in astrology is part of a broader pattern among Myanmar’s military leaders.

General Ne Win, who ruled from 1962 to 1988, was infamous for his superstitions. He removed certain denominations from the local currency because their numbers didn’t align with his lucky number, nine, causing economic hardship for millions.

Under military strongman Than Shwe, the government promoted the planting of sunflowers, believed to symbolize a lengthy reign, due to the Burmese word Nay Kyar translating to “long stay”.

A retired military member, remaining unnamed for security reasons, expressed that Min Aung Hlaing has run out of luck, interpreting the earthquake as nature’s punishment. “Astrology is deeply ingrained in Myanmar’s society, especially among the poorly educated military,” the officer said, mentioning that soldiers are given protective amulets and sacred bracelets, believed to shield them from harm in battle.

The officer contended that Myanmar’sట vast destruction is retribution, asserting, “I genuinely believe nature is punishing him now.”

‘Feeling Dead Inside’

Projections of Min Aung Hlaing’s deposition have been circulating on social media since the earthquake. On a Burmese-language Facebook page, a user stated an astrologer had forecast Mandalay’s destruction and likeness to war-torn Syrian cities, a prediction reportedly known in a close circle and substantiated by the user’s evidence. The astrologer had also accurately predicted Donald Trump’s US presidency and issued warnings about Yangon. He reportedly warned that if Min Aung Hlaing did not step down voluntarily, the regime and those surrounding him would face complete devastation. The man considered this the downfall of military dictatorship in Myanmar.

However, for survivors navigating the earthquake’s aftermath in Mandalay, closure was elusive. As the three-day window for rescue efforts passed on Monday, hope dimmed that loved ones and friends might still be alive even if trapped. Ko Lin Maw shared with Al Jazeera the distress of his situation on the day of the earthquake, with his house collapsed and entombing his mother and sons. Seventy-two hours after the incident, rescue assistance hadn’t arrived, leaving him to manage the crisis alone. Lamenting the authorities’ inadequate response, he expressed a heavy burden of loss and a profound sense of desolation.

“I am still breathing, but inside, I feel dead,” he said, expressing a desire for accountability from those who failed so many in the disaster, hoping for justice for his family’s spirits.