Already struggling with widespread devastation from a recent earthquake, Myanmar and Papua New Guinea were struck again by moderate magnitude seismic events on Sunday, while tremors were also felt in Tajikistan.
The European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported that a magnitude 5.6 earthquake hit Myanmar, as the crisis-stricken nation mourned thousands of deaths amidst the celebration marking the beginning of its water festival.
According to the seismological centre, the earthquake occurred at a depth of 35 kilometres (21.75 miles).
The EMSC also reported a magnitude 5.9 earthquake in the central Asian country of Tajikistan at a depth of 16km (10 miles).
Meanwhile, the German Research Centre for Geosciences reported that an earthquake of magnitude 5.79 struck Papua New Guinea, hitting at a depth of 10km (6.2 miles).
Although the earthquakes in these countries occurred on the same day, they are located far apart from each other.
Myanmar Grapples with Earthquake Losses Amid Festival
The earthquake in Myanmar struck at a time when thousands of citizens were observing the start of Myanmar’s water festival on Sunday amidst the ruins of last month’s earthquake, with the country’s typically boisterous holiday subdued by the tragedy of the tremor.
The “Thingyan” festival traditionally celebrates Myanmar’s new year with water-splashing rituals symbolizing cleansing and renewal, but the central cities of Mandalay and Sagaing are devastated from the 7.7-magnitude quake.
Two weeks after the disaster that claimed more than 3,600 lives, hundreds remain living in tent encampments scattered among collapsed apartment blocks, flattened tea shops, and demolished hotels.
Many still lack functioning latrines and must queue for drinking water, and the forecast of heavy rains has them worried about their makeshift shelters.
Myanmar’s ruling military junta has ordered the five-day festival to proceed without music or dance.
Since the March 28 quake, Mandalay temperatures have soared to a parching 44 degrees Celsius (111 Fahrenheit), while at night, tent dwellers are bothered by mosquitoes before rising at dawn to line up for aid.
Official figures indicate that more than 5,200 buildings have been destroyed, and the UN reports that over two million people are in need as a result of the earthquake.
The tremors were felt as far away as Bangkok, where a high-rise under construction collapsed, trapping dozens of workers.
