A magnitude 4.5 earthquake struck near Mandalay yesterday evening, sending light tremours across several parts of Upper Myanmar, the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH) reported.
The quake occurred at 8:32:45 pm Myanmar Standard Time (STD), with its epicentre located about 6 miles northwest of the Mandalay Seismic Station, approximately six miles northwest of Aungmyaythazan Township. It struck at a depth of 15 kilometres, the DMH said.
Residents in Mandalay, Sagaing, PyinOoLwin, Kyaukse, and nearby areas reported feeling the shaking for several seconds.
“It was only a magnitude 4.5, but ever yone reciting Buddhist scriptures in the Dhammayon (religious hall) rushed outside. Fortunately, nothing happened,” said U Paw Paw, a resident of Mandalay’s Aung Pinle ward.
Following th equake, some residents temporarily evacuated buildings as a precaution. As of the latest reports, no casualties or structural damage had been officially confirmed.
Earthquake monitoring groups have urged the public to remain calm, ignore rumours, and rely only on official announcements, warning that aftershocks remain possible.
The AI Info Team, which monitors seismic activity, said its assessment for the next 24 to 72 hours indicates that magnitude 2 to 4 earthquakes may continue along the Sagaing Fault. It also warned of the possibility of shallow earthquakes along the Shan Plateau fault system and intermediate-depth earthquakes within the Indo-Burma subduction zone.
The team said current seismic activity suggests that tectonic stress is being distributed across multiple fault systems rather than accumulating at a single location. While earthquakes cannot be predicted with certainty, it added that scientific analysis of seismic data and geological conditions can help improve public awareness and disaster preparedness.
Htun Htun/ST
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