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3.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Myanmar at Shallow Depth

An earthquake measuring 3.8 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar at a shallow depth of 11 kilometers. Shallow earthquakes pose a greater danger as their seismic waves cause stronger ground shaking. This event follows two other recent tremors in the region, a 3.4 and a 3.9 magnitude quake. Myanmar is highly vulnerable to seismic hazards due to its location between four tectonic plates and the presence of the active Sagaing Fault.

Key Points: Myanmar Hit by 3.8 Magnitude Earthquake

  • Magnitude 3.8 quake hits Myanmar
  • Shallow depth of 11km increases danger
  • Region hit by multiple recent tremors
  • Myanmar sits on multiple tectonic plates
2 min read

Earthquake of magnitude 3.8 strikes Myanmar

A shallow 3.8 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, raising risks of strong shaking and damage. Learn about the region's seismic vulnerability.

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

Naypyidaw, February 11

An earthquake of magnitude 3.8 struck Myanmar on Wednesday, a statement by the National Center for Seismology said.

The earthquake occurred 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."

On the same day, another earthquake of magnitude 3.9 struck the region at a depth of 85km.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 3.9, On: 07/02/2026 03:01:45 IST, Lat: 24.76 N, Long: 94.74 E, Depth: 85 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

P
Priyanka N
This is a reminder for us in India too, especially the northeastern states. We share a seismically active region. Our disaster management authorities should stay alert and coordinate if needed.
A
Arun Y
Magnitude 3.8 is considered light, but the article rightly points out the danger of shallow depth. The tectonic plate details are fascinating yet scary. Nature doesn't care for borders.
S
Sarah B
Reading about the Sagaing Fault and population centers is worrying. It highlights how important urban planning and earthquake-resistant construction are. A lesson for all growing cities, including ours.
K
Karthik V
Good that the NCS is tracking these. But the article feels a bit technical for the average reader. Could use a simpler explanation of why shallow quakes are more dangerous. Just a suggestion.
M
Meera T
My prayers for everyone's safety in Myanmar. We had the 2015 Nepal earthquake, so we know the pain. Hope there are no casualties. Regional cooperation in disaster response is crucial.

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