Tremors across Asia: Four earthquakes strike India, Myanmar, Tajikistan within an hour

A 5.5-magnitude quake hit central Myanmar near Meiktila - one of the strongest aftershocks since the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28.

In a dramatic reminder of the region’s seismic volatility, four earthquakes jolted parts of India, Myanmar, and Tajikistan within a span of just one hour on Sunday morning, sending waves of panic across Central and South Asia.

The first quake was recorded at 9 am in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, where a magnitude 3.4 tremor struck at a shallow depth of 5 km, the National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported. While considered minor, the tremor was strong enough to be felt by startled residents who fled buildings in fear. No casualties or damage have been reported.

Shortly after, a 5.5-magnitude quake hit central Myanmar near Meiktila, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). It was one of the strongest aftershocks since the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28, which killed over 3,600 people and injured more than 5,000.

The fresh tremor struck between Mandalay and Naypyitaw, regions already suffering from the previous quake’s devastation. Ceiling damage was reported in parts of Wundwin township, while residents once again evacuated homes and buildings.

The quake occurred on the morning of Thingyan, Myanmar’s traditional New Year holiday, for which public festivities had already been cancelled due to the recent tragedy.

At 9.54 am, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake - initially recorded as 6.4 - shook Tajikistan at a depth of 10 km. It was followed by a 3.9 magnitude tremor at 10.36 am. Both quakes were felt in nearby towns, prompting precautionary evacuations from schools and commercial buildings.

The series of tremors has raised renewed concerns about tectonic instability across the Himalayan and Central Asian regions.

While there were no immediate reports of major damage in India or Tajikistan, authorities are monitoring the situation closely.

The United Nations recently warned that the March 28 quake in Myanmar had deepened the country’s humanitarian crisis, already worsened by civil conflict and displacement. Sunday’s aftershock is likely to further strain relief and recovery efforts.