A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city on Sunday (March 30), following Friday’s devastating 7.7 magnitude quake, which caused widespread destruction and claimed over 1,600 lives. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said that tremor was recorded between 12 pm and 1 pm local time.

While the USGS reported a magnitude of 5.1, India’s National Center for Seismology (NCS) measured it at 4.6, and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) estimated it at 5.2. This aftershock comes as search efforts continue for over 3,400 people still missing, with officials fearing the toll could rise significantly.

EQ of M: 4.6, On: 30/03/2025 12:38:02 IST, Lat: 22.14 N, Long: 95.88 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Myanmar.

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— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) March 30, 2025

Emergency teams are racing against time to rescue survivors trapped under collapsed buildings, monasteries, and mosques. The USGS has warned that the overall death toll from the disaster could exceed 10,000.

The earthquake, compounded by Myanmar’s ongoing humanitarian crises due to the 2021 military coup, has left the country’s infrastructure in tatters, with nearly 20 million people already struggling with food and shelter shortages.

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“The earthquake has further strained Myanmar’s fragile infrastructure,” as reported by The New York Times, raising concerns about the military junta’s ability to manage relief efforts. Despite the crisis, Myanmar’s military continued airstrikes on Friday evening, bombing the rebel-held village of Naung Lin in northern Shan State, adding to the turmoil for residents already reeling from the natural disaster.

As aftershocks continue to rattle the country, with the strongest a 6.7 magnitude tremor occurring just 10 minutes after the initial quake, the situation grows increasingly dire. “Other significant quakes of 4.9 and 6.7 magnitudes hit about 20 miles from Mandalay, causing further destruction,” CNN reported.

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Amidst growing frustration over the military’s handling of the disaster, citizens have voiced concerns about the junta’s failure to provide assistance at disaster sites, with reports of military personnel present but not participating in rescue efforts. As the nation grapples with one of its deadliest catastrophes, fears continue to mount about Myanmar’s ability to recover and provide the necessary support for those in desperate need.