A 4.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Pyigyidagun Township in Mandalay Region at 00:01 AM on July 28, causing residents to flee their homes in panic. The earthquake, which had its epicenter at a depth of 10 kilometers, prompted the National Unity Government’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management to issue safety guidelines and precautionary measures for the public to follow. The tremor was significant enough to cause immediate concern among local residents, who reported feeling strong shaking and hearing loud noises during the event.
According to a resident from Mandalay, the earthquake felt like something being forcefully thrown down from a height, accompanied by a loud sound and violent shaking, causing everyone to rush out of their buildings. The earthquake was also strongly felt in Sagaing city, where many residents remained outside their homes for an extended period, only returning indoors later due to impending rainfall. The impact of the earthquake was particularly notable in religious structures, with Venerable Sandawbatha from the Shwe Min Win Emergency Rescue and Social Welfare Association reporting that monastery ceiling panels had fallen, though fortunately, a family of five sleeping in the building escaped unharmed.
According to records from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, this earthquake is part of a series of seismic events following the major 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the Sagaing region on March 28. In the four months since that significant event, there have been 214 recorded aftershocks in the region. The frequency and intensity of these seismic events have kept local residents on high alert, with authorities continuing to monitor the situation and provide guidance on safety measures and emergency responses. The recent earthquake serves as a reminder of the region’s ongoing seismic activity and the importance of maintaining preparedness for such natural disasters.
