An earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale struck near Kyaukse city in Mandalay Region on May 8 during the afternoon, with residents in Kyaukse, Myittha, and Sagaing townships reporting significant tremors. According to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management of the National Unity Government, the earthquake occurred at 2:09 PM, with its epicenter located 9 kilometers southeast of Kyaukse city at a depth of 10 kilometers below the surface.
A resident from Kyaukse city described the earthquake as a single sharp jolt accompanied by a loud ‘thud’ sound, noting that they could hear objects colliding with each other during the tremor. Residents from both Myittha and Sagaing townships also confirmed experiencing notable seismic activity. However, people living in Mandalay city proper reported that they did not feel significant tremors from this particular earthquake. This seismic event follows a more significant earthquake that occurred on March 28, which caused considerable damage to buildings in Mandalay, some of which are still undergoing repairs.
The earthquake’s impact was particularly noticeable in the immediate vicinity of its epicenter, with local residents reporting clear and distinct shaking. The event has raised concerns among the local population, especially given the recent history of seismic activity in the region. Experts have advised residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential earthquake hazards, emphasizing the importance of earthquake safety measures in this seismically active region. The damage from the previous March 28 earthquake serves as a reminder of the potential risks, with some structures in Mandalay still showing visible signs of damage as documented in recent photographs taken on May 6.
