A 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck near Meiktila, a city in central Myanmar, on Sunday morning, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The latest tremor comes at a time when the region is still reeling from the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that hit the country on March 28.
The USGS reported that the epicentre of the new quake was located approximately midway between Mandalay—Myanmar’s second-largest city—and Naypyitaw, the capital. Both cities had faced significant destruction in last month’s temblor. Mandalay, in particular, suffered extensive structural damage and multiple casualties, while numerous government buildings in Naypyitaw were also impacted.
The fresh quake has added to the anxiety of residents and officials already engaged in ongoing relief and reconstruction efforts across the quake-hit central region. So far, there have been no immediate reports of injuries or new damage, but authorities are continuing to assess the situation.
Myanmar Quake Kills 3,645, Worsens Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
According to the Earthquake Observation Division of Thailand’s Meteorological Department, Myanmar has experienced 468 aftershocks so far. The country’s State Administration Council confirmed that the disaster has claimed 3,645 lives, injured 5,017 individuals, and left 148 people missing.
Al Jazeera, citing UN data, reported that the devastating earthquake has worsened Myanmar’s already dire humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing civil war, which has displaced over three million people and left nearly 20 million in urgent need of aid.
