New Delhi, March 29
Just a day after a series of powerful earthquakes ravaged Myanmar, claiming over a thousand lives, the nation was struck by another 5.1-magnitude tremor on Saturday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The latest seismic activity occurred near Myanmar's capital, Naypyidaw, around 2.50 p.m., at a depth of 10 km. The full extent of damage and potential casualties from this new tremor, which impacted the same regions affected by Friday's earthquakes, remains unclear.
Following the initial quake near Sagaing, the region experienced 12 aftershocks, ranging from 2.8 to 7.5 in magnitude, further exacerbating the already dire situation. Mandalay, Bago, Magway, northeastern Shan State, Sagaing, and Nay Pyi Taw have been identified as the hardest-hit areas, news agency reported.
The Myanmar government has declared a national emergency as rescue teams work tirelessly to provide assistance. Damage to crucial infrastructure, including the Yangon-Mandalay highway near Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay, has significantly hindered relief efforts.
People are now utilising the older Yangon-Mandalay road to reach affected areas and aid in rescue operations. The collapse of buildings at Mandalay Airport and sections of the highway has also severed vital transport links between Myanmar's two largest cities.