4 Earthquakes Jolt India, Myanmar, Tajikistan Within One Hour, Panic in Several Cities
In a rare seismic event, four earthquakes struck India, Myanmar, and Tajikistan within just one hour on Sunday morning, triggering panic and evacuations across the region
A series of earthquakes rattled parts of South and Central Asia between 9 am and 10.36 am on Sunday, according to official seismic monitoring agencies. The tremors were felt in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, central Myanmar, and two locations in Tajikistan.
The first tremor, of magnitude 3.4, was recorded in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, at a depth of 5 km. Locals reported a loud rumble followed by brief shaking, prompting many to rush out of their homes.
“There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage,” said a local district official, adding that routine assessments were underway.
At approximately 9.10 am, a 5.5 magnitude earthquake hit near Meiktila, Myanmar, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor was one of the strongest aftershocks since the devastating 7.7 magnitude quake on March 28 that claimed over 3,600 lives.
Residents in Mandalay and Naypyitaw reported feeling intense shaking. “It was terrifying. We thought it was happening all over again,” said a local resident in Wundwin, speaking to AP on condition of anonymity.
No new casualties have been reported yet, but the quake has deepened public anxiety in an already grief-stricken region.
At 9.54 am, a powerful 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit Tajikistan at a shallow depth of 10 km. Originally estimated at 6.4, the tremor prompted evacuations in towns near the epicenter.
Just 42 minutes later, a second quake measuring 3.9 magnitude occurred in the same region, adding to concerns about heightened seismic activity.
“People were terrified. Some schools and shops were cleared out as a safety measure,” reported a local journalist from Dushanbe.
Earthquakes are measured on the Moment Magnitude Scale. Tremors between magnitude 3 and 4 are generally minor, while those exceeding 5 can damage poorly constructed buildings. Shallow quakes, like those recorded today, are often felt more intensely at the surface.
“These tremors remind us of the need for stronger urban planning and quake-resilient infrastructure,” said Dr. Ashok Ghosh, a seismologist at Patna University.
The Himalayan and Central Asian regions lie on active fault lines where the Indian Plate collides with the Eurasian Plate. This zone has historically witnessed frequent seismic activity.
Recent years have seen an uptick in mid-level quakes, prompting calls for stricter construction norms and better emergency response protocols in densely populated zones.
Authorities in all affected regions are closely monitoring aftershocks. In Myanmar, the military regime has not issued any new statements, while India’s National Center for Seismology has urged residents to remain calm but vigilant.
Meanwhile, geological agencies continue to analyze the quakes for patterns and risk forecasting.
