A magnitude 5.5 earthquake jolted central Myanmar near Meiktila on Sunday morning, April 13, 2025, marking one of the strongest aftershocks since the devastating 7.7-magnitude temblor that struck on March 28, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The latest quake hit as Myanmar grapples with ongoing relief efforts following the earlier disaster, which claimed 3,649 lives and left thousands injured, compounding an already dire humanitarian crisis.
The epicenter was located in Wundwin township, approximately 97 kilometers south of Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, which bore the brunt of last month’s destruction. It was also roughly halfway to Naypyitaw, the capital, where government offices sustained damage in the March quake. Myanmar’s Meteorological Department reported the quake’s depth at 20 kilometers, while the USGS estimated it at 7.7 kilometers. Residents in Wundwin described intense shaking, with some rushing out of buildings as ceilings in homes cracked, according to The Associated Press. In contrast, a Naypyitaw resident reported feeling no tremors, highlighting the quake’s localized impact. Those interviewed requested anonymity, citing fears of reprisal from Myanmar’s military government, which tightly controls information.
No immediate reports of major damage or casualties emerged from Sunday’s quake, which struck on the first day of the Thingyan holiday, Myanmar’s traditional New Year celebration. Public festivities had already been canceled due to the March disaster’s toll, with thousands marking the occasion amid the ruins, their spirits dampened by loss. Images from Mandalay show residents navigating past damaged buildings, a stark reminder of the earlier quake’s devastation.
The United Nations has warned that the March 28 earthquake severely disrupted agricultural production and damaged medical facilities, raising concerns of a looming health emergency. With over 3 million people already displaced by Myanmar’s ongoing civil war, the latest quake underscores the nation’s compounded challenges as it strives to recover.
Key Points:
Earthquake Details: A 5.5-magnitude quake struck near Meiktila, central Myanmar, on April 13, 2025, one of the strongest aftershocks since the 7.7-magnitude March 28 quake.
Epicenter Location: Centered in Wundwin township, 97 km south of Mandalay, halfway between Mandalay and Naypyitaw; depth reported as 20 km by Myanmar authorities, 7.7 km by USGS.
Impact: No immediate major damage or casualties reported; Wundwin residents noted strong shaking and minor ceiling damage, while Naypyitaw felt no effects.
Context: Follows March 28 quake that killed 3,649, with Myanmar already facing a humanitarian crisis worsened by civil war and 3 million displaced.
Holiday Timing: Occurred on the first day of Thingyan, Myanmar’s New Year, with public festivities canceled due to prior quake’s devastation.
Ongoing Challenges: UN warns of disrupted agriculture and damaged medical facilities, raising fears of a health emergency in the quake-hit region.
