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3.5 Magnitude Quake Hits Myanmar, Region Sees Multiple Tremors

An earthquake measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar, as reported by the National Center for Seismology. This event follows two other recent tremors in the region, including a shallower, more potent 4.8 magnitude quake. Myanmar's high seismic risk stems from its location between four tectonic plates and the active Sagaing Fault, which threatens major population centers. Historical data and the WHO warn of significant risks to public health and infrastructure from such seismic activity in the vulnerable country.

Key Points: Myanmar Struck by 3.5 Magnitude Earthquake

  • 3.5 magnitude quake at 65 km depth
  • Follows 3.3 and 4.8 tremors days earlier
  • Myanmar on active Sagaing Fault
  • Shallow quakes pose greater danger
  • Region has high seismic hazard
2 min read

Earthquake of magnitude 3.5 strikes Myanmar

A magnitude 3.5 earthquake struck Myanmar at 65 km depth, following recent tremors of 3.3 and 4.8 magnitude in the seismically active region.

"Shallow earthquakes are generally more dangerous than deep earthquakes. - Seismology Report"

Naypyidaw, January 18

An earthquake of magnitude 3.5 struck Myanmar on Sunday, a statement by the National Center for Seismology said.

The earthquake struck at a depth of 65 km.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 3.5, On: 18/01/2026 04:52:20 IST, Lat: 23.70 N, Long: 93.79 E, Depth: 65 Km, Location: Myanmar."

Earlier on January 15, another earthquake of magnitude 3.3 struck the region at a depth of 45km.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 3.3, On: 15/01/2026 23:05:39 IST, Lat: 23.91 N, Long: 93.42 E, Depth: 45 Km, Location: Myanmar."

On the same day, another earthquake of magnitude 4.8 struck the region at a depth of 10 km, making it susceptible to aftershocks.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 4.8, On: 15/01/2026 17:42:19 IST, Lat: 21.15 N, Long: 96.09 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Myanmar."

Shallow earthquakes are generally more dangerous than deep earthquakes. This is because the seismic waves from shallow earthquakes have a shorter distance to travel to the surface, resulting in stronger ground shaking and potentially more damage to structures and greater casualties.

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

In the aftermath of the magnitude 7.7 and 6.4 earthquakes that struck central Myanmar on March 28, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned of a series of rapidly rising health threats for tens of thousands of displaced people in earthquake-affected areas: tuberculosis (TB), HIV, and vector- and water-borne diseases.

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, an intense earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 that occurred in Bago also struck Yangon.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Magnitude 3.5 is relatively minor, but the article rightly points out the danger of shallow quakes. The real worry is the 4.8 one at just 10km depth. The Sagaing Fault is a major threat to millions.
A
Aman W
Our National Center for Seismology does a great job tracking these. The data sharing on X is very transparent. Hope Myanmar's authorities are also prepared and can coordinate with Indian agencies if needed.
S
Sarah B
The mention of post-earthquake health threats like TB and water-borne diseases is crucial. After any major disaster, the second wave of suffering from disease is often worse. International aid coordination is key.
V
Vikram M
Living in Delhi NCR, we feel small tremors sometimes. It's a reminder that seismic zones don't care about borders. India should share its earthquake-resistant construction knowledge with all neighboring countries.
K
Karthik V
While the article is informative, it feels a bit technical and could have started with whether there were any reports of damage or injuries. That's the first thing most people want to know. Hope everyone is safe.

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

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