21 August 2025
The people of Yangon experienced two significant earthquakes within 14 hours, according to a statement from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology.
The first earthquake occurred on August 20 at 19:00 Myanmar Standard Time. It struck 56 miles southwest of the Kabar Aye Seismological Station in the Myanmar Sea, approximately 23 miles southeast of Pyapon. The earthquake had a magnitude of 4.8 and occurred at a depth of 118 kilometers (about 73 miles). It was felt widely across Yangon, causing some weak concrete buildings to collapse. Fortunately, the substantial depth of the earthquake mitigated its impact on the city.
A second earthquake occurred this morning, August 21, at 09:28:06 Myanmar Standard Time. It registered a magnitude of 5.1 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter located at 16.08 degrees north latitude and 96.22 degrees east longitude. The quake struck at a depth of 28 kilometers, approximately 54 miles south of the Kabar Aye Seismological Station and about 28 miles southeast of Kungchang Kone. Residents in high-rise buildings felt the tremors significantly.
“I was in the office when the earthquake struck, and everyone ran downstairs. It was quite noticeable,” said an employee from a high-rise building in Botahtaung Township.
A magnitude 5.1 earthquake can cause damage to inadequately constructed buildings. Given that the quake’s depth is more than 17 miles, MT News is currently investigating the potential for damage and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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