BANGKOK (AP) - A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck near Meiktila, a small city in central Myanmar, on Sunday morning, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. This seismic event occurred amidst ongoing relief efforts following a significant 7.7 magnitude earthquake that impacted the same central region of Myanmar on March 28. The epicenter of the latest quake was located approximately halfway between Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city that experienced substantial damage and casualties in last month's earthquake, and Naypyitaw, the capital, where various government offices also suffered damage.
Currently, there have been no immediate reports of major damage or casualties from the recent quake, which is classified as one of the strongest among the numerous aftershocks resulting from the March 28 temblor. According to Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, a spokesperson for Myanmar's military government, the death toll from the March earthquake has reached 3,649, with 5,018 individuals reported injured as of Friday.
The Myanmar Meteorological Department indicated that Sunday’s earthquake occurred in Wundwin township, approximately 97 kilometers (60 miles) south of Mandalay, and at a depth of 20 kilometers (12 miles). Conversely, the U.S. Geological Survey estimates the depth to be around 7.7 kilometers (4.8 miles). Residents of Wundwin describing the quake reported that its intensity prompted people to rush out of buildings, with some ceilings in homes sustaining damage. However, a resident from Naypyitaw stated he did not feel the earthquake.
Those interviewed requested anonymity, fearing repercussions from the military government, which has been known to exercise tight control over information. The United Nations recently cautioned that the damages caused by the March 28 earthquake will exacerbate the pre-existing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. The civil strife ongoing in the nation had already displaced more than 3 million people.
The UN also highlighted that the earthquake has severely disrupted agricultural productivity and warned of a looming health emergency, as numerous medical facilities in the earthquake-affected areas have been damaged or completely destroyed. Amidst this tragic backdrop, Sunday’s earthquake occurred on the morning of the first day of Thingyan, a three-day holiday marking the traditional New Year in the country. Due to the recent disasters, public festivities anticipated for the holiday were canceled.
This series of seismic activities has not only raised concerns about immediate safety and structural integrity of buildings but also emphasizes the ongoing humanitarian challenges in Myanmar, where an existing conflict coupled with natural disasters has made recovery efforts more difficult.
