Earthquake of magnitude 4.0 strikes Myanmar
Naypyidaw, April 15
An earthquake of magnitude 4.0 struck Myanmar on Friday morning, according to the National Centre for Seismology.
The tremor occurred at 9:22 am IST on May 15 at a depth of 106 kilometres.
As per the NCS, the earthquake was recorded at latitude 25.028 North and longitude 94.958 East in Myanmar.
In a post on X, NCS said, "EQ of M: 4.0, On: 15/05/2026 09:22:37 IST, Lat: 25.028 N, Long: 94.958 E, Depth: 106 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.
Earthquakes can occur anywhere between the Earth's surface and about 700 kilometres below the surface. For scientific purposes, this earthquake depth range of 0 - 700 km is divided into three zones: shallow, intermediate, and deep, as per USGS data.
Shallow earthquakes are between 0 and 70 km deep; intermediate earthquakes, 70 - 300 km deep; and deep earthquakes, 300 - 700 km deep. In general, the term "deep-focus earthquakes" is applied to earthquakes deeper than 70 km, the USGS states.
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.
A 1400-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
Reader Comments
This is a reminder for us in India too, especially in the Northeast which is seismically active. We need better preparedness and public awareness about what to do during an earthquake. Stay safe, everyone.
The science behind it is fascinating but scary. Wedged between four tectonic plates! No wonder the region gets so many quakes. Hope the authorities there are monitoring for aftershocks properly.
The part about the health threats after the major quakes is really concerning. TB, HIV, water-borne diseases... the aftermath can be worse than the event itself. International aid is crucial.
While the report is informative, I wish Indian media would give similar detailed geological analysis for earthquakes within our own borders. Our reporting can sometimes be very brief.
Shallow depth of 10km! That's really close to the surface. Must have been quite a shake for people nearby. Hope everyone is safe. Nature's power is humbling.
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