Four earthquakes struck parts of India, Myanmar, and Tajikistan on Sunday morning within just one hour. This sudden series of tremors alarmed residents across South and Central Asia. People rushed out of buildings in fear, as the quakes reminded them of the region’s vulnerable tectonic zones.
Minor tremor in Himachal Pradesh sparks fear
The first quake hit at 9 am in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported a magnitude of 3.4 at a shallow depth of just 5 kilometers. The epicenter was located at 31.49°N and 76.94°E. Though small in scale, the tremor was strong enough to be felt by locals. Many said they heard a deep rumbling sound followed by shaking. Frightened residents ran out of their homes and offices. Local media confirmed that no injuries or property damage had been reported at the time.
New aftershock rocks central Myanmar
Soon after, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck near Meiktila in central Myanmar. The US Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the tremor as one of the strongest aftershocks since the deadly 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28. That earlier disaster claimed over 3,600 lives and left thousands injured. This latest quake was felt in Mandalay and Naypyitaw, cities still recovering from the March tragedy. Residents in Wundwin township described scenes of panic. Two people told The Associated Press, “people rushed out of buildings and ceilings in some dwellings were damaged.” Another person in Naypyitaw said he did not feel the tremor. Those interviewed chose to remain anonymous due to fears of upsetting the military government, which strictly controls public information. Although officials have not reported new casualties, the quake deepened the anxiety already present in communities affected by earlier devastation.
Tajikistan jolted by twin quakes
At 9:54 am, a powerful earthquake shook Tajikistan. Originally estimated at magnitude 6.4, it was later confirmed as 6.1. The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, with its epicenter at 38.86°N and 70.61°E. People in nearby towns felt intense shaking. As a safety measure, authorities evacuated schools and shops. Then, at 10:36 am, a second tremor measuring 3.9 struck the region. It also originated 10 kilometers below the surface. These two tremors raised concerns about rising seismic activity in the region.
Understanding earthquake measurement
Experts use seismographs to record the energy released during earthquakes. The size of a quake is shown by its magnitude, usually measured on the Richter scale or the Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw). Magnitudes between 3 and 4 are often felt but rarely cause damage. Magnitudes between 5 and 6 are stronger and can damage weak structures. Earthquakes over magnitude 6 are considered severe and can lead to widespread destruction. The depth of the quake is also crucial. Shallow quakes, like those seen on Sunday, often cause stronger shaking at the surface even if the magnitude is not very high.
