4.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Myanmar on Thursday Morning

On Thursday morning, a 4.4 magnitude earthquake rattled Myanmar, as reported by the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The quake was recorded at a significant depth, prompting concern in surrounding regions.

The seismic event occurred at 6:04 AM Indian Standard Time (IST) on December 18, 2025. Officials indicated that its depth was 100 kilometers, suggesting minimal surface impact and no reports of damage or injuries as of yet.

Details were shared by the NCS on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), confirming the quake's location with coordinates 26.07 North latitude and 97.00 East longitude. They urged residents to remain vigilant and updated.

This earthquake was one of several in the area this month; a 3.9 magnitude quake struck on December 13 at a depth of 115 kilometers, and another measured 3.8 on December 11. A stronger earthquake of 4.6 in magnitude was reported on December 10 at a depth of 138 kilometers.

Myanmar is situated in a seismic hotspot, lying between four major tectonic plates: the Indian Plate, Eurasian Plate, Sunda Plate, and Burma Plate. The interactions of these tectonic plates often result in seismic activity.

The Sagaing Fault, which runs for roughly 1,400 kilometers through Myanmar, presents a significant threat to large urban centers such as Sagaing, Mandalay, Bago, and Yangon, home to almost half of Myanmar's populace.

Even though Yangon is distanced from the fault, experts warn it remains at risk due to its population density. A notable earthquake hitting Bago in 1903 measured 7.0 on the Richter scale, heavily impacting Yangon.

Historically, Myanmar has experienced severe earthquakes; notably on March 28, two significant quakes of 7.7 and 6.4 struck central Myanmar. The aftermath prompted World Health Organisation (WHO) alerts regarding various health risks faced by displaced populations, including tuberculosis and water-borne diseases.

The recurrence of earthquakes underlines the urgent need for proactive safety measures and public awareness. Residents are encouraged to heed official communications and utilize resources such as the BhooKamp App for real-time earthquake alerts.