Earthquake of magnitude 4.5 strikes Myanmar
Naypyidaw, March 26
An earthquake of magnitude 4.5 struck Myanmar on late Wednesday night, as per a statement by the National Center for Seismology.
The earthquake occurred at a depth of 120km.
In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 4.5, On: 25/03/2026 21:31:22 IST, Lat: 22.886 N, Long: 94.015 E, Depth: 120 Km, Location: Myanmar."
Earlier on Tuesday, another earthquake of magnitude 3.9 struck the region at a depth of 90km.
In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 3.9, On: 24/03/2026 03:11:17 IST, Lat: 21.980 N, Long: 94.835 E, Depth: 90 Km, Location: Myanmar."
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
It's a relief it was a 4.5 magnitude and deep at 100 km. The earlier 6.0 one this month must have been scary. Living in a seismic zone is always worrying. We in North East India also feel these tremors sometimes.
The article is very technical but misses a crucial point for the common reader: what should people in these high-risk areas do to prepare? A simple infographic on earthquake safety would have been more useful than just tectonic plate names.
The Sagaing Fault affecting 46% of the population is a staggering statistic. It highlights how infrastructure resilience is not just a local issue but a regional one. Hope the authorities are investing in early warning systems.
Being wedged between four tectonic plates... no wonder the region is so active. Makes you respect the power of nature. Stay safe, neighbours.
The mention of the 1903 earthquake is a sobering reminder that history repeats. Modern cities like Yangon need to ensure building codes are strictly followed. Praying for everyone's safety.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.