On May 17th at approximately 10:25 PM, a significant earthquake struck major cities including Mandalay and Sagaing, as confirmed by local residents. The tremor lasted for about one minute, causing residents to flee their homes and gather in the streets in panic. A resident from Mandalay reported that the earthquake was particularly intense and lasted longer than usual, creating widespread concern among the population.
In Sagaing city, the earthquake prompted residents from various neighborhoods to evacuate their homes. A resident from Zeyar Ward described feeling their entire house shudder, followed by people shouting earthquake warnings throughout the neighborhood. The tremors were also distinctly felt in other major cities including Mogok, Taunggyi, Meiktila, Kyaukse, Yamèthin, Pyin Oo Lwin, and Myingyan, according to local reports from these areas.
According to the official statement from the National Unity Government, the earthquake’s epicenter was located 35 kilometers west-southwest of Kyaukse city in Mandalay Region, at a depth of 10 kilometers, measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale. However, the military council’s Department of Meteorology and Hydrology reported different figures, stating that the epicenter was approximately 6 miles southwest of Myittha town with a magnitude of 5.2. The discrepancy in these measurements has been noted in the official records of both authorities.
