5.0 magnitude quake hits central Myanmar

IANS April 11, 2025 217 views

A 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, adding to the region's recent seismic challenges. The quake occurred near Wundwin town, following a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28 that killed over 3,600 people. Damage has been extensive, with thousands of communication stations affected and numerous aftershocks recorded. The ongoing seismic activity is impacting local events, including the upcoming Thingyan Festival, which will be celebrated with reduced festivities.

"Over 112 aftershocks ranging from 2.8 to 7.5 magnitude" - Department of Meteorology and Hydrology
Yangon, April 11: A 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar at about 10:59 a.m. local time on Friday, the country's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH) reported.

Key Points

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- Epicenter located 5 miles southeast of Wundwin town at 10:59 am

The epicentre, with a depth of 10 km, was located about five miles southeast of Wundwin town in Mandalay region, Xinhua news agency reported.

Myanmar has experienced more than 112 aftershocks ranging from magnitudes of 2.8 to 7.5, according to the country's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology.

The aftershocks followed a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the country on March 28.

The death toll from Myanmar's earthquake reached over 3,649, the Information Team of Myanmar's State Administration Council reported.

In addition, 5,018 people were injured and 145 remained missing due to the earthquake, the report said.

The massive earthquake has also damaged 6,730 mobile communication stations, the state-run daily The Mirror reported on Wednesday.

As of April 6 as many as 5,999 stations have been restored, while 731 stations are under repair, it said.

Additionally, 15 Myanmar post offices temporarily suspended operations due to the earthquake but resumed services on March 31, it added.

Meanwhile, the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported on Thursday that the 2025 Myanmar New Year's Ata Thingyan Festival will be celebrated peacefully without music or dance.

This year marks the first celebration of Thingyan since its inclusion in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

According to the Yangon City Development Committee's Engineering Department, construction of the water festival pavilion and the Thingyan Walk being built in front of Yangon City Hall has been suspended and cancelled, it said.

The cancellations follow the powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries, as well as significant damage to buildings, it added.

This year, the Ata Thingyan Festival will run from April 13 to 16. The traditional Myanmar New Year's Day will fall on April 17.

Reader Comments

A
Aung K.
So sad to hear about the continuing aftershocks 😔 The people in Mandalay region have been through so much already. Hope the recovery efforts continue smoothly.
T
Thida L.
The numbers are heartbreaking - over 3,600 lives lost. Makes you realize how powerful nature can be. My thoughts are with all the families affected.
K
Kyaw Z.
I appreciate the detailed reporting, but I wish there was more information about what international aid organizations are doing to help. The scale of this disaster requires global support.
M
May S.
The decision to cancel music and dance for Thingyan shows deep respect for the victims. It's beautiful to see traditions adapting to honor those we've lost.
H
Htun W.
The communication infrastructure damage is concerning - glad to hear most stations have been restored though! Staying connected is so important during crises.
S
Su M.
After such devastation, it's remarkable that post offices resumed services in just 3 days. Shows the resilience of Myanmar people! 💪

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Myanmar Earthquake Mandalay Region Natural Disaster Seismic Activity Wundwin
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