NewKerala.com

Twin Earthquakes Rattle Myanmar Minutes Apart, Highlight Seismic Risk

Two earthquakes of magnitudes 3.5 and 3.6 struck Myanmar within a 14-minute interval, according to the National Center for Seismology. This follows another tremor of magnitude 3.4 that occurred in the region the previous day. Myanmar's high seismic vulnerability stems from its location where four major tectonic plates interact. The populous regions near the Sagaing Fault, including Yangon, face significant earthquake risk despite their distance from the active fault line.

Key Points: Myanmar Struck by 3.5 & 3.6 Magnitude Earthquakes

  • Two quakes (M3.5 & M3.6) struck 14 min apart
  • Quakes follow a M3.4 tremor the previous day
  • Region sits on multiple tectonic plates
  • Sagaing Fault threatens 46% of population
  • Yangon at risk despite distance from fault
2 min read

Earthquakes of magnitude 3.5 and 3.6 strike Myanmar

Two earthquakes hit Myanmar within 14 minutes, as the National Center for Seismology reports ongoing seismic activity in the tectonically active region.

"Myanmar is vulnerable to hazards from moderate and large magnitude earthquakes and tsunamis along its long coastline."

Naypyidaw, January 25

Two earthquakes of magnitudes 3.5 and 3.6 respectively struck Myanmar at a gap of mere 14 minutes, a statement by the National Center for Seismology said.

As per NCS, the earthquakes struck the region at a depth of 30km and 60km respectively.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 3.5, On: 25/01/2026 16:27:17 IST, Lat: 22.97 N, Long: 93.26 E, Depth: 30 Km, Location: Myanmar."

"EQ of M: 3.6, On: 25/01/2026 16:13:38 IST, Lat: 22.61 N, Long: 93.73 E, Depth: 60 Km, Location: Myanmar," NCS said about another earthquake.

Earlier on Saturday, another earthquake of 3.4 struck Myanmar at a depth of 40km.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 3.4, On: 24/01/2026 19:48:44 IST, Lat: 22.92 N, Long: 93.35 E, Depth: 40 Km, Location: Myanmar."

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

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Magnitude 3.5 is relatively minor, but the frequency is concerning. The article mentions the 1903 quake... history shows this region is seismically very active. Our disaster management agencies should keep a close watch.
D
David E
The scientific data from NCS is precise and timely. It's good to see India monitoring regional seismic activity. The public health risks mentioned from past major quakes are a stark warning for preparedness.
A
Ananya R
My heart goes out to the people living in these high-risk zones. The article says 46% of Myanmar's population lives near that fault line. Building codes and public awareness are so important. Stay safe, neighbours.
S
Siddharth J
While the reporting is factual, I wish there was more analysis on what this means for India's Northeast, which shares a similar geological setting. Are our early warning systems robust enough for cross-border events?
K
Kavya N
Nature's power is humbling. Two quakes in 14 minutes... makes you think. Hope the authorities there are checking on remote villages. The health risks after a big one are terrifying – TB, water-borne diseases. 😟

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50