Myanmar hit by another 5.1 magnitude quake as death toll from devastating tremor mounts

As Myanmar reels from the catastrophe, rescue teams race against time to locate survivors, while fears mount over the country's ability to recover from one of its deadliest disasters.

A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Myanmar’s second-largest city, Mandalay, on Sunday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported. The tremor comes as an aftershock to Friday’s massive 7.7 magnitude quake, which caused widespread destruction and claimed more than 1,600 lives. Over 3,400 people remain missing, and officials fear the toll could rise significantly.

The latest quake was recorded between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. local time. While the USGS measured its magnitude at 5.1, India’s National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported it as 4.6, and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) estimated it at 5.2.

EQ of M: 4.6, On: 30/03/2025 12:38:02 IST, Lat: 22.14 N, Long: 95.88 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Myanmar.For more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/5gCOtjdtw0@DrJitendraSingh@OfficeOfDrJS@Ravi_MoES@Dr_Mishra1966@ndmaindiapic.twitter.com/FA6ozfkCmW

National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) March 30, 2025

Emergency teams continue to search for survivors trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings, monasteries, and mosques. The USGS has warned that the overall death toll from the disaster could exceed 10,000. Volunteers and aid workers face immense challenges, with entire communities left devastated.

Myanmar was already grappling with severe humanitarian crises due to ongoing conflict following the 2021 military coup. Even before the disaster, nearly 20 million people were struggling with food and shelter shortages. The earthquake has further strained Myanmar’s fragile infrastructure, raising concerns over the military junta’s ability to manage relief efforts, as reported by The New York Times.

Despite the unfolding humanitarian crisis, Myanmar’s military continued airstrikes on Friday evening, bombing the rebel-held village of Naung Lin in northern Shan State. Residents were left reeling as they faced simultaneous attacks and the natural disaster.

In response, the opposition-led National Unity Government announced a two-week pause on offensive operations in quake-affected areas but vowed to defend itself if attacked, The New York Times reported.

Meanwhile, frustration is growing among citizens over the junta’s handling of the crisis, with reports of military personnel appearing at disaster sites but failing to assist rescue efforts.

Since Friday’s massive quake, several aftershocks have rattled Myanmar. The strongest, a 6.7 magnitude tremor, struck just 10 minutes after the initial quake, according to CNN. Other significant quakes of 4.9 and 6.7 magnitudes hit about 20 miles from Mandalay, causing further destruction.

As Myanmar reels from the catastrophe, rescue teams race against time to locate survivors, while fears mount over the country's ability to recover from one of its deadliest disasters.