Mizzima

A strong earthquake hit Kachin State and damaged ancient stupas and pagodas in Indawgyi Township and left cracks in the ground near to Indawgyi Lake on 31 May.

The 5.9 magnitude earthquake was felt in the townships of Myitkyina, Hopin, Indawgyi, Mogaung, Mohnyin and Hpakant at approximately 5:50 p.m. 

The epicentre of the quake was approximately 22 miles to the northwest of Hopin township, according to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology. The earthquake actually happened 10 kilometers under the ground, according to a geologist.

A 28-year-old resident of Hopin said: “This was the strongest earthquake I've ever experienced.” He also said that his parents had never experienced such a strong earthquake.

Though there was little damage in Hopin, in Indawgyi Township, close to Hopin, the earthquake caused damage to old pagodas and cracks in roads and in the ground close to Indawgyi Lake. Close to the lake water from the lake leaked into the cracks, according to locals.

There have been no reports of casualties, according to locals.

But the geologist warned people to remain alert. He said: “People should be aware. There might be aftershocks and people should take precautions.”

Locals reported that there were a few minor earthquakes the next morning, 1 June.

The full extent of the damage caused by the earthquake is not yet known.

The area hit by the earthquake lies on the Sagaing Fault, the most active fault line in Myanmar. It runs for 1,200 kms, from north of Lake Indawgyi southwards along the Ayeyarwady River to north of Mandalay and then it follows the eastern margin of the Bago Yoma mountain range into the Andaman Sea. It passes through the cities of Mandalay, Yamethin, Pyinmana, Naypyidaw, Taungoo and Bago.