Strong quake rattles Myanmar, tremors felt in Kolkata

A powerful earthquake struck central Myanmar on Tuesday evening, sending tremors across the border into eastern India and briefly unsettling residents in Kolkata. The 6.0 magnitude quake, recorded at a shallow depth of around 10 kilometres, was felt at approximately 9:05 pm local time, prompting people in the city to step outside as the ground shook for nearly 15 seconds.

Seismological data from the German Research Centre for Geosciences placed the epicentre about 95 kilometres west of Yenangyaung, a town in central Myanmar. Shallow quakes of this nature often produce stronger surface vibrations, which explains why the tremors travelled so widely despite the moderate magnitude.

While no immediate reports of casualties or damage emerged from Myanmar, the incident has reignited concerns about the country’s vulnerability to seismic activity. Myanmar sits on the boundary of several tectonic plates, making it one of Southeast Asia’s most earthquake-prone nations. In March 2025, a magnitude 7.7 quake devastated parts of central Myanmar, leaving widespread destruction and shaking neighbouring countries including Thailand and China.

For Kolkata, the tremors were a reminder of the region’s proximity to seismic hotspots. Local residents described the sudden jolt as alarming, though authorities quickly reassured the public that there was no threat of further escalation.

Experts note that Myanmar’s seismic history underscores the importance of preparedness. The country has experienced repeated earthquakes over the past decades, with varying degrees of impact on infrastructure and communities. Although Tuesday’s quake appears to have spared Myanmar from serious damage, regional agencies are continuing to assess its effects.

As Myanmar awaits detailed reports, the event serves as another stark reminder of the fragile balance in a region where natural forces frequently test resilience. For those in Kolkata, it was a brief but unsettling glimpse of the seismic risks that lie just across the border.

-2026-02-04