Seismic Activity Shakes Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, and Tajikistan

Myanmar, already struggling with extensive destruction from a recent earthquake, and Papua New Guinea were struck again by moderate seismic events on Sunday, with tremors also felt in Tajikistan.

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake hit Myanmar, according to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The nation is currently mourning thousands of deaths amidst celebrations marking the beginning of its water festival.

The seismological center reported that the earthquake’s epicenter was at a depth of 35 kilometers (21.75 miles).

The EMSC also noted a magnitude 5.9 earthquake in Tajikistan, a central Asian country, which occurred at a depth of 16km (10 miles).

Separately, the German Research Centre for Geosciences indicated that a magnitude 5.79 earthquake struck Papua New Guinea, with a depth of 10km (6.2 miles).

Although these earthquakes occurred on the same day, the affected countries are geographically distant from one another.

Myanmar Grapples with Earthquake Aftermath

The earthquake in Myanmar coincided with the start of the country’s water festival, a time when many citizens were celebrating amidst the ruins left by the previous month’s earthquake. The tremor has muted what is typically a boisterous holiday.

The “Thingyan” festival usually marks Myanmar’s New Year with water-splashing rituals that symbolize cleansing and renewal. However, the central cities of Mandalay and Sagaing are devastated from the 7.7-magnitude quake.

Two weeks after the disaster, which resulted in over 3,600 deaths, many residents continue to live in tent encampments among collapsed apartment buildings, destroyed tea shops, and demolished hotels.

Many still lack access to working latrines and must queue for drinking water. Forecasts of heavy rains are causing concern among those living in makeshift homes.

Myanmar’s ruling military junta has mandated that the five-day festival proceed without music or dance.

Since the March 28 quake, temperatures in Mandalay have reached as high as 44 degrees Celsius (111 Fahrenheit). At night, those in tents are plagued by mosquitoes, and they must rise early to queue for aid.

Official figures indicate that over 5,200 buildings have been destroyed, and the UN reports that more than two million people require assistance due to the earthquake.

The tremors were felt as far away as Bangkok, where a high-rise under construction collapsed, trapping numerous workers.