The National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported a significant tremor in Myanmar on Thursday, marking the latest in a series of seismic events in the region this month.
Details of the Recent Tremor
According to an official post on X, an earthquake measuring magnitude 4.4 struck Myanmar on December 18, 2025, at 06:04:36 IST. The seismic event originated at a considerable depth of 100 kilometres, with its epicentre located at coordinates 26.07 N latitude and 97.00 E longitude.
A Pattern of Seismic Activity
This recent quake is not an isolated incident. The region has experienced heightened seismic activity throughout December 2025.
- December 13, 2025: A magnitude 3.9 earthquake occurred at a depth of 115 km, with coordinates 24.79 N, 94.99 E.
- December 11, 2025: An earthquake of magnitude 3.8 was recorded.
- December 10, 2025: A stronger tremor of magnitude 4.6 hit the area at a significant depth of 138 km.
This cluster of events underscores the persistent geological instability in the area.
Myanmar's High Seismic Risk
Myanmar remains highly vulnerable to earthquakes and associated hazards like tsunamis along its extended coastline. This vulnerability stems from its unique geological position. The country is wedged between four major tectonic plates: the Indian, Eurasian, Sunda, and Burma plates. Their continuous interaction fuels active geological processes.
A critical feature is the 1,400-kilometre-long transform fault running through Myanmar, linking the Andaman spreading centre to the northern Sagaing Fault collision zone. The Sagaing Fault significantly elevates the seismic hazard for populous regions including Sagaing, Mandalay, Bago, and Yangon. These areas collectively house 46 per cent of Myanmar's population.
Even Yangon, which is relatively distant from the fault line, faces substantial risk due to its dense urban population. Historical records show that a powerful magnitude 7.0 quake in Bago back in 1903 also caused significant damage in Yangon.
Past Consequences and Ongoing Threats
The potential human impact of major quakes was starkly highlighted earlier in the year. Following the devastating magnitude 7.7 and 6.4 earthquakes that struck central Myanmar on March 28, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued warnings about rapidly escalating health threats for tens of thousands of displaced people. The organisation highlighted increased risks of outbreaks including tuberculosis (TB), HIV, and various vector- and water-borne diseases in the affected areas.
The recurring seismic activity, as reported by the NCS, serves as a continuous reminder of the underlying tectonic forces and the ever-present need for preparedness in this geologically active region.
