Magnitude 3.5 Earthquake Hits Myanmar Amid Earlier Seismic Activity

A magnitude 3.5 earthquake struck Myanmar on January 18 at a depth of 65 km, following earlier quakes of magnitudes 3.3 and 4.8 on January 15. The 4.8 magnitude quake was shallow, increasing the risk of aftershocks and damage. Myanmar lies at the intersection of four tectonic plates and is vulnerable to moderate and large earthquakes, especially along the Sagaing Fault, which threatens major population centers. Past large quakes have raised health concerns for displaced communities.