Another 5.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Myanmar’s Naypyidaw After Deadly Tremors
Myanmar faced yet another seismic shock on Saturday as a 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck near the capital, Naypyidaw, just a day after devastating tremors claimed over 1,000 lives. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the latest quake hit at 2:50 pm local time, adding to the woes of a nation already reeling from Friday’s destructive earthquakes.
The USGS recorded the 5.1-magnitude earthquake at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, with its epicenter near Naypyidaw. This follows Friday’s catastrophic 7.7-magnitude quake and a 6.4-magnitude aftershock that left widespread destruction across Myanmar. Details of casualties or damage from Saturday’s tremor remain unavailable as rescue efforts continue. The timing of this latest quake has heightened concerns in an already devastated region struggling to recover from the earlier seismic events.
Myanmar was rocked on Friday by a 7.7-magnitude earthquake, followed 11 minutes later by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock. The twin tremors demolished buildings, bridges, and historical landmarks, particularly in Mandalay, the second-largest city near the epicenter. Official estimates peg the death toll at 1,002, with over 2,000 injured. The disaster also impacted neighboring Thailand, where a skyscraper collapse in Bangkok trapped workers, further complicating regional rescue operations.
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Saturday’s 5.1-magnitude quake struck an area already battered by Friday’s tremors, raising fears of additional structural collapses. Myanmar’s junta has reported severe damage to roads, public infrastructure, and iconic sites like the Ava Bridge in Mandalay, which crumbled into the Irrawaddy River. Rescue teams are still working to reach survivors from the earlier quakes, and it remains uncertain how this latest tremor will affect ongoing efforts.
In response to Friday’s disaster, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured support to Myanmar. “India stands ready to offer all possible assistance,” he posted on X, directing authorities to coordinate with Myanmar’s government. Under ‘Operation Brahma,’ India dispatched 15 tonnes of relief material, including tents, food, and medicines, to Yangon on Saturday morning. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted, “Operation Brahma – India acts as a First Responder to assist the people of Myanmar affected by yesterday’s massive earthquake.”
The USGS has warned of potential aftershocks following major earthquakes, and Saturday’s tremor aligns with this pattern. The initial quakes’ effects were felt across Thailand, Bangladesh, and parts of India, with Myanmar bearing the heaviest toll due to its proximity to the Sagaing Fault, a seismically active zone.
Rescue operations in Bangkok remain intense as teams search for survivors trapped under collapsed structures, a task now mirrored in Myanmar’s hardest-hit areas.
With Saturday’s 5.1-magnitude earthquake adding to Myanmar’s challenges, authorities and relief teams face mounting pressure to assess new damages and assist survivors. The full impact of this latest tremor is yet to emerge, but it underscores the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity. Further updates on casualties, infrastructure damage, and international aid efforts are expected as the situation unfolds in the coming hours.
