Series of tremors continues with fourth quake hitting region this week
Ground vibrations continue to rattle Southeast Asia as yet another Myanmar earthquake was recorded early Saturday morning. This latest seismic event marks a concerning trend of frequent tremors hitting the region throughout the first week of February.
According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake registered a magnitude of 3.9 on the Richter scale. The tremors were felt at approximately 3:01 AM IST on Saturday. Seismologists pinpointed the epicenter at a depth of 85 kilometers, located at latitude 24.76 N and longitude 94.74 E.
Week of Unrest
Saturday's event is not an isolated incident but rather the latest in a string of geological disturbances. Just a day prior, on Friday, a stronger tremor of magnitude 4.9 shook the nation, originating from a depth of 96 kilometers.
The seismic activity has been persistent throughout the week. Data from the NCS indicates that earlier tremors were felt on February 5 and February 3, with magnitudes of 4.5 and 5.3 respectively. The quake on February 3 was particularly concerning to experts as it occurred at a shallow depth of just 20 kilometers. Shallow earthquakes typically pose a higher risk to infrastructure and human safety compared to deeper quakes because seismic waves have less distance to travel before reaching the surface, often resulting in more violent shaking.
Geological Vulnerability
Myanmar remains a hotspot for seismic hazards due to its unique geographical position. The country sits precariously between four major tectonic plates—the Indian, Eurasian, Sunda, and Burma plates. Their constant interaction and collision create significant geological stress.
Adding to this risk is the Sagaing Fault, a massive 1,400-kilometer transform fault that runs through the country, connecting the Andaman spreading center to northern collision zones. This fault line significantly increases the danger for major population centers including Yangon, Mandalay, and Bago. Experts note that while Yangon is some distance from the fault trace, its high population density makes it vulnerable to shockwaves from nearby seismic events.
With Agency Inputs
