Earthquakes
On Sunday, several countries were rattled by moderate seismic events, with Myanmar, Tajikistan, and Papua New Guinea all experiencing earthquakes on the same day. Myanmar, already grappling with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that struck last month, was shaken by a magnitude 5.6 tremor.
According to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the earthquake struck at a depth of 35 kilometers (approximately 22 miles).
The country, still reeling from the destruction caused by the previous quake, was also in the midst of the water festival, “Thingyan,” which typically marks the beginning of Myanmar’s new year. However, the celebration was muted as the country mourned the devastating loss of over 3,600 lives from the previous disaster.
The earthquake struck at a time when the central cities of Mandalay and Sagaing were still struggling to recover. Buildings remained in ruins from the 7.7 magnitude quake that had devastated the region, and hundreds of people were still living in tent encampments, scattered among collapsed apartment blocks and destroyed shops.
The ongoing crisis has left many without basic facilities, including functioning latrines and adequate drinking water. To make matters worse, the forecast for heavy rains added to the misery of people living in makeshift shelters.
Despite the heavy toll on the population, Myanmar’s military junta insisted that the five-day festival proceed without music or dance, a somber reminder of the country’s ongoing challenges.
Meanwhile, Tajikistan was also shaken by a 5.9 magnitude earthquake, which struck at a depth of 16 kilometers (10 miles). The tremor was strong enough to be felt across the region, though there were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties.
Further south, Papua New Guinea experienced a magnitude 5.79 earthquake, as reported by the German Research Centre for Geosciences. The quake struck at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). Although the tremor was moderate, it added to the ongoing seismic activity in the Pacific region.
The synchronized tremors in these far-flung regions of the world highlight the unpredictable nature of seismic events. In Myanmar, the earthquake’s impact was especially significant, coming at a time when the country was already struggling to rebuild after the March 28 disaster.
Over 5,200 buildings were destroyed, and more than 2 million people have been affected, with a massive humanitarian response required to address the ongoing needs of the population.
In addition to the immediate disaster, the tremors caused chaos as far away as Bangkok, where the collapse of a high-rise under construction trapped dozens of workers.
As Myanmar continues to deal with its crisis, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, offering aid and support to help those affected by the dual challenges of the earthquake and the broader political and social instability in the country.
