Myanmar Seismology: A 4.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Thursday Morning

Post by : Raina Nasser

A 4.4 magnitude earthquake rattled Myanmar early on Thursday morning, as reported by the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The quake originated deep underground, raising concerns in neighboring regions.

This seismic activity occurred at 6:04 AM Indian Standard Time (IST) on December 18, 2025, reaching a depth of 100 kilometers, mitigating immediate damage or injuries.

The NCS provided updates on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), marking the earthquake's location with coordinates 26.07 North latitude and 97.00 East longitude. The center encouraged the public to remain vigilant.

This seismic event was not isolated; another earthquake measuring 3.9 occurred in the same vicinity on December 13, with a depth of 115 kilometers. Additionally, a 3.8 magnitude quake was reported on December 11, and a more powerful 4.6 magnitude earthquake struck on December 10 at a depth of 138 kilometers.

Myanmar is situated in a highly active seismic zone, bordered by four significant tectonic plates: the Indian Plate, Eurasian Plate, Sunda Plate, and Burma Plate. These plates shift slowly but exert immense pressure, frequently resulting in earthquakes.

A significant geological feature, the Sagaing Fault, traverses Myanmar for roughly 1,400 kilometers, heightening risks for populous areas like Sagaing, Mandalay, Bago, and Yangon, home to nearly 46 percent of the country's residents.

Yangon, although not directly near the fault, still faces risks due to its dense population. A notable 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Bago in 1903, severely impacting Yangon.

Historically, Myanmar has dealt with devastating earthquakes; a significant tremor of 7.7 and 6.4 magnitudes occurred in central Myanmar on March 28, necessitating warnings from the World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding health risks, including tuberculosis, HIV, and other disease outbreaks.

Frequent seismic activity emphasises the necessity for comprehensive disaster preparedness and public education. Officials recommend staying informed through reliable sources, including the BhooKamp App for earthquake alerts.