Myanmar Rocked by Second Earthquake Within 24 Hours as Aftershocks Continue Following March Devastation
Myanmar has been shaken by yet another earthquake, the second within a span of 24 hours, as the country continues to reel from the catastrophic 7.7 magnitude quake that struck on March 28. Since that major seismic event, aftershocks have become a daily occurrence, compounding the challenges faced by a nation already grappling with a humanitarian crisis and ongoing civil unrest.
According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the latest tremor, recorded at 10:06 AM on Monday, measured 4.0 in magnitude and struck at a depth of 103 kilometers. The tremors were felt in several northeastern states of India, with Manipur experiencing the strongest effects. Just a day earlier, on Sunday, a 4.5 magnitude quake was reported in Myanmar, originating at a depth of 20 kilometers, increasing the likelihood of aftershocks.
Casualties and Ongoing Rescue Operations
While the most recent quakes did not result in immediate reports of significant damage or casualties, they are among hundreds of aftershocks that have followed the March 28 disaster. As of Friday, the death toll from the initial earthquake has risen to 3,649, with 5,018 people injured, according to Major General Zaw Min Tun, a spokesperson for Myanmar’s military government. Rescue and relief efforts remain underway, with search operations continuing for the missing. Debris still litters many areas, hindering access and slowing aid distribution.
Impact on Infrastructure and Daily Life
The Myanmar Meteorological Department confirmed that Sunday’s quake was centered near Wundwin township, approximately 97 kilometers south of Mandalay, at a depth of 20 kilometers. The US Geological Survey, however, reported a shallower depth of 7.7 kilometers, which may explain the intense ground shaking felt by residents. Witnesses in Wundwin described buildings swaying and some roofs sustaining damage, prompting panic and evacuation.
The recent seismic activity has further worsened Myanmar’s already fragile humanitarian situation. The United Nations has warned that the March 28 earthquake has exacerbated the country’s civil conflict, which has already displaced over three million people. In addition to widespread infrastructure damage, the disaster has severely disrupted agriculture and crippled many healthcare facilities, triggering a health emergency in several regions.
