ACCORDING to a statement issued by the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, an earthquake measuring magnitude 4.2 on the Richter scale struck at 7:36:52 pm Myanmar Standard Time on 26 March.

The epicentre was located approximately 30 kilometres southeast of Mandalay, about two miles east of Mahaaungmyay Township, at a depth of around 12 kilometres underground.

The tremor was clearly felt by residents in Mandalay, with people living in high-rise buildings reportedly rushing down. It was also reported that residents in PyinOoLwin experienced the earthquake.

“It was around half past seven when the earthquake struck, and it was very strong. There was even a loud rumbling sound. I had experienced one before, so I was really frightened. As soon as I realized what was happening, I ran out onto the road in front of my house,” said a local woman.

Previously, on the afternoon of 28 March 2025, a powerful earthquake measuring magnitude 7.7 on the Richter scale, centred near Mandalay and Sagaing, resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people in Mandalay and caused extensive damage to buildings. — Htun Htun/KNN