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2.8 Magnitude Quake Hits Myanmar, Following Recent Seismic Activity

An earthquake measuring 2.8 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar, as reported by the National Center for Seismology. This event follows a shallower, potentially more dangerous 3.8 magnitude quake that hit the region just days earlier. Myanmar's high seismic risk stems from its location between four tectonic plates and the active Sagaing Fault. Major population centers, including Yangon, face significant hazard from earthquakes despite their distance from fault lines.

Key Points: 2.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Myanmar, NCS Reports

  • Magnitude 2.8 quake at 35km depth
  • Follows 3.8 magnitude shallow quake on Feb 11
  • Myanmar sits on multiple tectonic plates
  • Sagaing Fault poses major risk to population centers
2 min read

Earthquake of magnitude 2.8 strikes Myanmar

A magnitude 2.8 earthquake struck Myanmar at 35km depth. This follows recent 3.8 and 3.4 magnitude tremors, highlighting the region's seismic risk.

"Shallow earthquakes are generally more dangerous than deep earthquakes. - National Center for Seismology"

Naypyidaw, February 13

An earthquake of magnitude 2.8 occurred in Myanmar on Friday, a statement by the National Center for Seismology said.

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 35km.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 2.8, On: 13/02/2026 04:44:40 IST, Lat: 23.91 N, Long: 93.85 E, Depth: 35 Km, Location: Myanmar."

Earlier on February 11, an earthquake of magnitude 3.8 struck Myanmar at a shallow depth of 11km, making it susceptible to aftershocks.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 3.8, On: 11/02/2026 00:35:05 IST, Lat: 21.40 N, Long: 94.84 E, Depth: 11 Km, Location: Myanmar."

Shallow earthquakes are generally more dangerous than deep earthquakes. This is because the seismic waves from shallow earthquakes travel shorter distances to the surface, resulting in stronger ground shaking, greater structural damage, and higher casualties.

Earlier on February 7, an earthquake of magnitude 3.4 struck the region at a depth of 150km.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 3.4, On: 07/02/2026 23:16:29 IST, Lat: 25.06 N, Long: 95.33 E, Depth: 150 Km, Location: Myanmar."

Myanmar is vulnerable to hazards from moderate and large magnitude earthquakes and tsunamis along its long coastline. It is wedged between four tectonic plates (the Indian, Eurasian, Sunda, and Burma plates) that interact in active geological processes.

A 1,400-kilometre transform fault runs through Myanmar and connects the Andaman spreading centre to a collision zone in the north called the Sagaing Fault.

The Sagaing Fault increases the seismic hazard for Sagaing, Mandalay, Bago, and Yangon, which together represent 46 per cent of Myanmar's population.

Although Yangon is relatively far from the fault trace, it still suffers from significant risk due to its dense population. For instance, in 1903, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Bago also struck Yangon.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The science here is fascinating but scary. Being wedged between four tectonic plates... no wonder the region is so active. The depth makes a huge difference - 11km vs 150km is like night and day in terms of potential damage.
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Ananya R
My cousin works in Yangon. She says most old buildings there are not earthquake-resistant at all. With 46% of the population in those risk zones, it's a major disaster waiting to happen. The government needs to enforce stricter building codes.
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Vikram M
The NCS updates are prompt, which is good. But the article jumps between different quakes - a bit confusing. Maybe a simple timeline graphic would help readers understand the sequence and risk better. Just a suggestion.
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Karthik V
This is a reminder for us in India too, especially in the Himalayan states. We share similar seismic risks. Disaster preparedness drills in schools and offices are not just formalities, they save lives. Jai Hind.
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Priya S
The 1903 earthquake mention is chilling. History repeats itself if we don't learn. Hope the people of Myanmar stay safe. Nature's power is humbling.

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