Another 5.1 magnitude aftershock in Myanmar, adding to the difficulties

Early this morning (March 30), another 4.2 magnitude earthquake occurred near the epicenter of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar. Last evening, a 5.1 magnitude aftershock also occurred in this country, making rescue work even more difficult while the golden time for rescue is shortening.

According to the United States Geological Survey, yesterday afternoon's earthquake had a magnitude of 5.1, occurring just 19km from the city of Naypyidaw, Myanmar. The earthquake early this morning (March 30) with a magnitude of 4.2 occurred close to the epicenter of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that occurred at noon on March 28. Both earthquakes occurred at a depth of about 10km.

Experts say that with such intensity and depth, these aftershocks are likely to cause slight tremors on the ground surface near the epicenter, increasing the danger to infrastructure works, which were heavily affected by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake at noon on March 28 and the 6.7 magnitude aftershock that occurred 12 minutes later.

Aftershocks continue to occur following the 7.7 earthquake on March 28 in Myanmar.

Aftershocks continued to hamper the already difficult rescue effort. The 7.7 magnitude earthquake severely damaged Myanmar’s key transport routes, ports and airports. Communications were disrupted.

Lack of rescue equipment and difficult medical conditions increase the obstacles to rescue. Meanwhile, according to experts, the most important time for rescue work after an earthquake is 72 hours (3 days after the earthquake occurs).

According to statistics from Myanmar authorities, as of the evening of March 29, the death toll from this natural disaster was 1,644 people, with more than 3,000 others injured. This number is expected to increase as rescue efforts continue. Many countries have sent rescue forces to Myanmar to help the country overcome the consequences.

Scene of devastation in Myanmar after the earthquake on the afternoon of March 28. Photo: AP.

The 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28 was the strongest earthquake in a century in Myanmar - a country located in a seismically active area.

The country lies near the boundary between the Indian and Eurasian plates, along the Sagaing fault zone – a fault zone that stretches more than 1,000km from the Andaman Sea, through central Myanmar.

In 2012, Myanmar suffered a 6.8 magnitude earthquake in the Mandalay area, causing extensive damage. In 2016, the country suffered another 6.8 magnitude earthquake near Bagan, shaking many ancient temples.

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/them-du-chan-51-do-o-myanmar-kho-khan-chong-chat-1722503301038222.htm