INVC News Desk
Naypyidaw | Updated April 13, 2025
Even as Myanmar continues to reel from the catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck central regions on March 28, the earth refuses to stay still. A powerful 5.5 magnitude earthquake jolted Meiktila, a small town in central Myanmar, on Sunday morning, triggering fresh panic and further complicating ongoing rescue operations.
According to the US Geological Survey, the epicenter of this latest tremor was located between Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, and Naypyidaw, the capital. The Myanmar Meteorological Department reported the quake occurred at a depth of 20 kilometers in Wundwin Township, about 97 kilometers south of Mandalay. The USGS, however, estimated the depth to be shallower, around 7.7 kilometers.
🔺 Tremors Amid Ruins: Panic Returns
The new quake comes as Myanmar continues to battle the aftermath of the March 28 disaster. “People ran out of their homes as buildings shook. Some rooftops collapsed,” a local resident from Wundwin reported. Although no fresh casualties have been confirmed so far, residents remain fearful due to frequent aftershocks.
📊 Death Toll and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for Myanmar’s military government, said that as of Friday, the confirmed death toll stood at 3,649, with 5,018 injured. Debris remains piled up in multiple regions, and search operations for missing persons are still underway.
The United Nations last week warned that the earthquake has significantly worsened Myanmar’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, already intensified by a civil war that has displaced over 3 million people.
🚨 Thingyan Holiday Turns Somber
The latest quake coincided with Thingyan, Myanmar’s traditional New Year holiday. The typically joyous three-day festival began Sunday, but all public celebrations had been cancelled in the wake of the tragedy.
🌾 Agricultural & Healthcare Impact Deepens Crisis
Relief agencies report major disruptions to agricultural production, a crucial source of livelihood in Myanmar. Additionally, several medical facilities were either damaged or completely destroyed, leading to a severe health emergency.
