Yangon – The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) on Friday said a strong and shallow 6.0-magnitude earthquake hit a remote region of central Myanmar.
Assistant Director of the department Pyaw Kyaw Lin told newsmen that there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
“The quake struck 40 kilometres west of the town of Pyu at 12:56 am (06:26 GMT) at a depth of 10 kilometres and was followed by three weaker tremors,’’ Lin said.
Myanmar’s Department of Meteorology and Hydrology added that the magnitude of the quake was “worrying” and the area should expect aftershocks for up to a month.
“We have spoken to local authorities and there have been no reports of damage to buildings or injuries, only shaking,’’ Lin told newsmen.
He added that they would be conducting a site survey on Saturday or soon after.
The USGS, due to its remote location, more than 150 kilometres from both the commercial hub, Yangon and Naypyitaw, issued only the lowest level of alert for estimated economic losses and fatalities.
Myanmar was hit by a powerful 6.8-magnitude quake in August 2016, which killed three people and damaged temples and pagodas at the country’s ancient capital Bagan.
