5.0 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Central Myanmar

Synopsis

A 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on April 11, resulting in significant aftershocks and damage. Over 3,600 fatalities have been reported along with injuries and missing persons. The Ata Thingyan Festival will proceed quietly amid the disaster's aftermath.

Key Takeaways

5.0 magnitude earthquake occurred in Myanmar.
Located five miles southeast of Wundwin.
Death toll exceeds 3,649.
More than 112 aftershocks have been noted.
Ata Thingyan Festival will be observed quietly.

Yangon, April 11 (NationPress) A 5.0 magnitude earthquake hit central Myanmar around 10:59 a.m. local time on Friday, as reported by the country's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH).

The earthquake's epicenter, situated at a depth of 10 km, was located approximately five miles southeast of Wundwin town in the Mandalay region, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Myanmar has recorded over 112 aftershocks with magnitudes ranging from 2.8 to 7.5, as per the DMH.

These aftershocks followed a catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake that occurred on March 28.

The death toll from the recent earthquakes in Myanmar has surpassed 3,649, as reported by the Information Team of Myanmar's State Administration Council.

Furthermore, 5,018 individuals were injured, and 145 people are still unaccounted for, according to the report.

The powerful earthquake has also caused damage to 6,730 mobile communication stations, as reported by the state-run daily The Mirror on Wednesday.

As of April 6, 5,999 stations have been restored, while 731 stations are currently undergoing repairs.

Additionally, 15 Myanmar post offices temporarily halted operations due to the earthquake but resumed their services on March 31.

Meanwhile, the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar announced that the 2025 Myanmar New Year’s Ata Thingyan Festival will be celebrated peacefully, without music or dance.

This year marks the first celebration of Thingyan since its designation as part of the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

According to the Yangon City Development Committee's Engineering Department, the construction of the water festival pavilion and the Thingyan Walk in front of Yangon City Hall has been suspended and canceled.

The cancellations were made following the significant earthquake on March 28, which resulted in numerous casualties, injuries, and substantial building damages.

This year's Ata Thingyan Festival is scheduled to take place from April 13 to 16, with the traditional Myanmar New Year's Day falling on April 17.