In the early hours of Friday, January 23, a moderate earthquake originating in Myanmar jolted parts of Northeast India and Bangladesh, causing widespread concern but leaving no reported casualties or significant damage. The tremors, which struck just past 1 a.m., were felt across several border regions, including Assam and Mizoram in India, and cities like Dhaka and Sylhet in Bangladesh.
Details of the Earthquake
According to the National Center for Seismology, the first quake, measuring 4.3 on the Richter scale, was recorded in Ferjawal district near the Mizoram-Assam border. This was followed by a smaller 3.3 magnitude tremor 39 minutes later, with the strongest effects reported in Churachandpur district, Manipur, which shares a border with Myanmar.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed that the epicenter of the earthquake was located 106 kilometers east of Wangjing in Manipur’s Sagaing district, Myanmar. The quake, registering 5.1 in magnitude, originated at a depth of more than 126 kilometers, intensifying its impact in surrounding areas.
Impact Across Borders
Myanmar residents were awakened by the tremors, which struck with a sudden jolt shortly after midnight. In Bangladesh, the earthquake’s effects were strongly felt in Sylhet and the capital city of Dhaka, with many residents taking to social media to share their experiences. As Sylhet lies close to tectonic plate boundaries, experts warn of possible aftershocks in the coming days.
A Series of Quakes in the Region
This earthquake adds to a series of seismic events that have recently rattled Northeast India. Earlier this month, tremors ranging from 3.1 to 3.8 magnitude were recorded in Manipur’s Churachandpur, Tamenglong, Kamjong, and Kangpokpi districts. Meghalaya also experienced a 4.1 magnitude quake in the Southwest Khasi Hills on January 21.
No Casualties, but Concerns Persist
Despite the tremors, no injuries or property damage were reported in the affected areas of Myanmar, India, or Bangladesh. Experts emphasize the importance of preparedness in the region, which is seismically active due to the collision of tectonic plates.
Warning and Preparedness
Seismologists have urged residents in the region to remain cautious as aftershocks are a possibility. The tremors are a stark reminder of the geological activity in this part of Asia, which sits along the Indo-Burmese Arc, a highly active seismic zone.
While the earthquake caused no immediate damage, it has reignited discussions about the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for stronger infrastructure in vulnerable areas. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and follow updates from seismic monitoring agencies.
As the earth settles, the memories of the midnight tremor serve as a wake-up call for the entire region to prioritize safety measures and readiness for future seismic events.
