A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck near Meiktila in central Myanmar on Sunday morning, according to the US Geological Survey. The quake occurred roughly halfway between Mandalay and Naypyitaw, the capital city, where several government offices were damaged during a devastating 7.7 magnitude temblor on March 28.
As of Friday, the death toll from that quake was 3,649 with 5,018 injured, according to the military government’s spokesperson. While there were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties from Sunday’s quake, residents in the affected area described the quake as extremely strong, causing people to rush out of buildings and damaging ceilings.
The US Geological Survey estimated the depth of the quake at 7.7 kilometers. Myanmar’s Meteorological Department reported the quake occurred in Wundwin township, 60 miles south of Mandalay. The United Nations warned last week that the damage from the March 28 quake would worsen the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, where over 3 million people have already been displaced by a civil war.
The country is currently observing its three-day Thingyan holiday, which celebrates the traditional New Year, but public festivities were canceled due to the ongoing relief efforts.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/earthquake-myanmar-disaster-meiktila-53f2a8aac6e99145b55904c73c8e343d