Another Earthquake Hits Central Myanmar: What You Need to Know
Magnitude 5.5 Earthquake Strikes Near Meiktila
Bangkok: On Sunday morning, a 5.5 magnitude earthquake was recorded near Meiktila, a small city located in central Myanmar, as reported by the US Geological Survey.
This seismic event occurred while the nation is still engaged in recovery efforts following a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the same central region on March 28.
The latest quake's epicenter was situated approximately midway between Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, which experienced significant destruction and loss of life during last month's earthquake, and Naypyitaw, the capital, where various government buildings sustained damage.
Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of severe damage or casualties from this recent quake, which is one of the strongest aftershocks following the March 28 event. As of last Friday, the death toll from that earthquake had reached 3,649, with 5,018 individuals injured, according to Major General Zaw Min Tun, a spokesperson for Myanmar's military government.
Myanmar's Meteorological Department indicated that Sunday’s earthquake occurred in Wundwin township, located 97 kilometers (60 miles) south of Mandalay, at a depth of 20 kilometers (12 miles). The U.S. Geological Survey estimated the depth to be around 7.7 kilometers (4.8 miles).
Residents of Wundwin reported to The Associated Press that the quake was powerful enough to cause people to flee buildings, with some ceilings suffering damage. However, a resident from Naypyitaw mentioned that he did not feel the tremor. Those interviewed requested anonymity due to concerns about the military government's strict control over information.
The United Nations has cautioned that the destruction caused by the March 28 earthquake is likely to exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, where over 3 million people have already been displaced due to civil conflict.
The UN also noted that agricultural production has been severely disrupted, and a health emergency is imminent as many medical facilities in the affected areas have been damaged or destroyed.
Interestingly, this earthquake occurred on the first day of Thingyan, a three-day holiday celebrating the traditional New Year in Myanmar.