Quakes Shake Myanmar, Tajikistan, and Papua New Guinea

Myanmar is still grappling with the devastation of a recent earthquake, when another moderate seismic event struck on Sunday. Papua New Guinea also experienced tremors, as did Tajikistan.

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake occurred in Myanmar, according to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), as the struggling nation mourns the loss of thousands during its New Year water festival.

The quake struck at a depth of 35 kilometers (approximately 21.75 miles), stated the seismological center.

Additionally, a magnitude 5.9 earthquake was recorded in Tajikistan at a depth of 16 kilometers (10 miles).

The German Research Centre for Geosciences reported a magnitude 5.79 quake in Papua New Guinea, occurring at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).

Despite these earthquakes happening on the same day, the countries are geographically distant from each other.

Myanmar Grieves the Losses

The earthquake in Myanmar struck just as thousands were celebrating the start of the annual water festival, “Thingyan.” This festive occasion, which symbolizes renewal through water-splashing rituals, was overshadowed by the tragedy of the recent quake that hit the region.

The central cities of Mandalay and Sagaing have been left in ruins following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake. Two weeks after the disaster, which claimed the lives of over 3,600 people, many survivors are still living in temporary encampments surrounded by collapsed buildings, destroyed tea shops, and flattened hotels.

Numerous individuals lack access to basic sanitation facilities, while finding clean drinking water requires long waits in line. As heavy rain is forecast, fears are rising about the stability of their makeshift shelters.

The ruling military junta in Myanmar has ordered that the five-day festival be conducted without any music or dance.

Since the earthquake on March 28, temperatures in Mandalay have soared to a scorching 44 degrees Celsius (111 degrees Fahrenheit). At night, those living in tents face swarms of mosquitoes, waking early to queue for assistance.

Officials report that over 5,200 structures have been destroyed, and the United Nations has indicated that more than two million people are currently in need due to this natural disaster.

The tremors from the earthquakes were also felt as far away as Bangkok, where a high-rise building under construction collapsed, trapping dozens of workers.