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6.0 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Myanmar, Followed by 5.3 Aftershock

A significant earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar, occurring at a shallow depth of 27 kilometers. It was followed shortly by a 5.3 magnitude aftershock, raising concerns about further seismic activity. The region is highly vulnerable due to its position between four tectonic plates and the active Sagaing Fault. This fault system poses a major risk to nearly half of Myanmar's population in cities like Yangon, Mandalay, and Sagaing.

Key Points: Myanmar Hit by 6.0 Magnitude Earthquake, Aftershocks

  • Magnitude 6.0 quake at 27 km depth
  • Followed by 5.3 magnitude aftershock
  • Located near active Sagaing Fault
  • High risk for major population centers
  • Region prone to seismic and tsunami hazards
2 min read

Earthquake of magnitude 6.0 strikes Myanmar

A 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, followed by a 5.3 aftershock. Details on depth, location, and regional seismic risks.

"Myanmar is vulnerable to hazards from moderate and large magnitude earthquakes and tsunamis along its long coastline. - National Centre for Seismology"

Naypyidaw, February 3

An earthquake of magnitude 6.0 struck Myanmar on Tuesday at about 9:04 pm, according to the National Centre for Seismology.

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 27 km, making it susceptible to aftershocks. The earthquake was felt at a latitude of 20.42 degrees North and a longitude of 93.88 degrees East.

Another earthquake of magnitude 5.3 struck Myanmar at 9:21 pm, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) website.

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 20 km. The earthquake was felt at a latitude of 20.45 degrees North and a longitude of 93.86 degrees East.

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 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

R
Rohit P
The article mentions the Sagaing Fault affecting 46% of Myanmar's population. That's terrifying. Makes you realize how fragile life can be in these zones. We should count our blessings and also be prepared. Does India have a similar detailed fault line map for public awareness?
A
Aditya G
The science behind this is fascinating but scary. Wedged between four tectonic plates! No wonder the region from Northeast India to Myanmar gets so many quakes. Stay safe, neighbours.
S
Sarah B
My thoughts are with the people there. The article is very technical but misses the immediate human impact. Were there any casualties? Damage to infrastructure? That's what matters most right now.
V
Vikram M
A magnitude 6.0 followed by a 5.3... major aftershock risk. Hope the authorities are on high alert. In India, we've seen how crucial the first few hours are after a quake. NDMA should be ready to offer assistance if needed.
K
Karthik V
This is a sobering reminder. We live in Delhi, which is also in a high seismic zone. How many of us actually have an emergency kit or a family plan? Time to stop procrastinating and get prepared. Jai Hind.

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