Central Myanmar experienced another jolt early Sunday morning with a 5.5-magnitude earthquake centered near Meiktila.
The quake occurred during the first day of Myanmar’s three-day Thingyan holiday, typically marked by celebrations of the traditional New Year. Relief efforts were already underway after the region suffered a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28.
Though the latest tremor caused structural damage, particularly in Wundwin township, there were no immediate reports of significant casualties.
The United Nations had warned of worsening conditions in Myanmar due to disrupted agricultural production and health services stemming from the earlier quake, which claimed over 3,600 lives and injured more than 5,000 individuals.
Experts from the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the earthquake originated south of Mandalay at a depth of 7.7 kilometers, adding to the hundreds of aftershocks shaking the region since late March.
Amid civil conflict and a deepening humanitarian crisis, authorities and international agencies face mounting challenges in alleviating the situation.
