A 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Shwebo city in Sagaing Region on the morning of May 5, with strong tremors felt in Pyawbwe, Yeu, Khin-U and Mogok cities according to local residents. The earthquake occurred at 6:03 AM Myanmar Standard Time, with its epicenter located 33 kilometers northwest of Shwebo at a depth of 10 kilometers, as announced by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management of the National Unity Government. The tremors were particularly noticeable in these areas, causing buildings to shake significantly.
A resident from Mogok city reported that this earthquake was felt more strongly than the one that occurred on March 28, with houses experiencing notable shaking and tremors. The resident added that the people of Mogok are currently dealing with dual threats – fear of airstrikes and earthquake hazards. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the earthquake’s magnitude as 4.4, while the military council’s Department of Meteorology and Hydrology stated it was a 4.5 magnitude quake with an epicenter approximately 20 miles west-southwest of Pyawbwe city. These varying measurements from different sources reflect the typical range of uncertainty in rapid earthquake magnitude assessments.
Since the major 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, more than 160 aftershocks have been recorded according to official sources. While the extent of damage to buildings and infrastructure from this latest earthquake is yet to be confirmed, local residents have expressed significant concern, particularly in areas that already suffered damage from the March 28 earthquake. The frequency of seismic activity in the region has heightened anxiety among local populations, who are still recovering from the impacts of the previous major earthquake. The situation is particularly challenging for communities that are simultaneously dealing with multiple crises, including ongoing conflict-related challenges and natural disaster risks.
