A 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck close to Meiktila in central Myanmar on Sunday, including to the area’s latest seismic woes. This newest tremor comes because the nation grapples with the aftermath of a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that ravaged the identical central area on March 28.
The epicentre of Sunday’s quake was situated roughly midway between Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest metropolis, and the capital, Naypyitaw.
Each cities skilled important harm in final month’s earthquake, with Mandalay bearing the brunt of casualties and destruction, and Naypyitaw struggling harm to a number of authorities buildings. This new earthquake additional complicates ongoing reduction and restoration efforts within the area.
There have been no fast experiences of main harm or casualties brought on by the brand new quake, one of many strongest of a whole lot of aftershocks from the March 28 occasion.
As of Friday, the dying toll from that quake was 3,649, with 5,018 injured, in accordance with Main Basic Zaw Min Tun, a spokesman for Myanmar’s army authorities.
A map of Meiktila:
Myanmar’s Meteorological Division mentioned Sunday’s quake occurred within the space of Wundwin township, 60 miles south of Mandalay, at a depth of 12 miles.
The US Geological Survey estimated the depth at 4.8 miles.
Two Wundwin residents informed Related Press by cellphone the quake was so sturdy individuals rushed out of buildings and that ceilings in some dwellings had been broken.
A resident of Naypyitaw additionally reached by cellphone mentioned he didn’t really feel the newest quake.
These contacted requested to not be named for concern of angering the army authorities, which prefers to intently management info.
The United Nations final week warned harm brought on by the March 28 quake will worsen the present humanitarian disaster in Myanmar, the place a civil struggle had already displaced greater than three million individuals.
It mentioned the quake severely disrupted agricultural manufacturing and {that a} well being emergency loomed as a result of many medical amenities within the quake zone had been broken or destroyed.
Sunday’s quake occurred on the morning of the primary day of the nation’s three-day Thingyan vacation, which celebrates the standard new 12 months. Public festivities for the vacation had already been canceled.
